Learn how to manage an airport effectively when short-staffed during the holiday season, focusing on task prioritization for smooth operations.

An experienced airport manager should plan in advance for holiday seasons to make sure their manpower is at its full strength during peaks. Blackout dates allowing no vacations in busier times are one (though unpopular) option to be prepared. Some airports / airlines extend shifts against overtime payment to fully meet operational requirements. Stock water bottles, consider complimentary meals and rest areas for staff to take short breaks to avoid burnouts. Monitor your passenger flows and reallocate staff to busiest areas when needed ( i.e. move boarding staff to check- in, etc.). Pre- peak meeting with all airport stakeholders is a must to ensure everybody is on the same page. The combination of all of the above will save the day.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2024

Short-staffed at the airport during the busy holiday season. How do you effectively prioritize tasks?

Managing an airport during the busy holiday season can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the challenge of being short-staffed. The key to maintaining smooth operations lies in effective task prioritization. By understanding the most critical areas that impact both safety and passenger satisfaction, you can navigate through the hectic periods with greater ease. Your approach to this can make a significant difference in both the performance of the airport and the overall traveler experience.

1 Safety First

In airport management, safety must always be your top priority. When staff is limited, ensure that essential safety tasks are covered first. This includes runway and taxiway inspections, security screenings, and emergency response preparedness. It's vital to have a clear understanding of regulatory requirements and to ensure that these areas are not compromised. Streamlining processes and cross-training employees can help cover these critical functions without overextending your resources.

Add your perspective

Muhammad Luqman

Safety Management System Consultant || Operational Risk Management, BCM and Crisis Management specialist || Academic and Operational research lead || ICAO Certified Training Instructor ||
Report contribution
During short-staffed periods in the busy holiday season, prioritize safety above all else. Ensure that critical safety protocols are strictly adhered to, including those related to passenger handling, aircraft operations, and emergency preparedness. Allocate resources to maintain safety standards, provide adequate training, and empower staff to escalate safety concerns promptly. Effective communication and vigilance are key to ensuring safety remains uncompromised during these challenging times.

Like

2 Passenger Flow

Next, focus on managing passenger flow, which is crucial for preventing bottlenecks and ensuring travelers reach their gates on time. Analyze the areas where queues are likely to form, such as check-in counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates. Deploy your available staff to these areas during peak times. Consider implementing technology solutions like mobile check-in and automated passport controls to alleviate pressure on staff and keep passengers moving.

Add your perspective

Muhammad Luqman

Safety Management System Consultant || Operational Risk Management, BCM and Crisis Management specialist || Academic and Operational research lead || ICAO Certified Training Instructor ||
Report contribution
During short-staffed periods in the busy holiday season, prioritize managing passenger flow to maintain efficiency and satisfaction. Implement clear signage, optimize queue management, and deploy staff strategically at key points like check-in, security, and boarding areas. Utilize technology such as automated check-in kiosks and real-time updates to minimize wait times. Regularly monitor and adjust staffing levels based on passenger volume to ensure smooth flow and positive travel experiences.

Like

3 Operational Efficiency

Operational efficiency is essential for keeping flights on schedule, especially when resources are tight. Prioritize tasks that directly affect flight operations, such as baggage handling and aircraft turnaround services. Coordination between different departments is key to avoid delays. Encourage communication and use real-time data to anticipate and address potential issues quickly.

Add your perspective

Muhammad Luqman

Safety Management System Consultant || Operational Risk Management, BCM and Crisis Management specialist || Academic and Operational research lead || ICAO Certified Training Instructor ||
Report contribution
During short-staffed periods in the busy holiday season, prioritize operational efficiency to maximize resources. Streamline processes, prioritize essential tasks, and leverage technology for automation where possible. Implement clear communication channels and cross-training to ensure flexibility among staff. Regularly assess and adjust schedules and workflows to minimize disruptions and maintain high service standards despite staffing challenges.

Like

4 Morale and Support

Don't underestimate the importance of staff morale during busy periods. Prioritize tasks that support your team, such as ensuring they have adequate breaks and resources to perform their duties effectively. A motivated and well-supported staff is more productive, which is especially important when you're short-handed. Consider recognition programs or small incentives to boost morale during the high-stress holiday season.

Add your perspective

5 Communication Channels

Maintaining clear communication channels is vital in a short-staffed environment. Ensure that all team members are aware of their responsibilities and have access to the information they need to make quick decisions. Use digital communication tools to keep everyone connected and informed about real-time changes. This can help in minimizing confusion and ensuring a coordinated response to any issues that arise.

Add your perspective

6 Flexibility and Adaptability

Lastly, be flexible and adaptable in your approach to task management. The dynamic nature of airport operations, compounded by holiday season unpredictability, requires a willingness to adjust plans as situations evolve. Train your staff to handle various roles and empower them to make decisions when necessary. This flexibility can be a significant asset in managing the unexpected while still delivering a high level of service.

Add your perspective

Olga Alghwyeen

MBA - International Management, highly experienced operations manager, start-up and project expert, customer service professional & quality assurance specialist.
(edited)
Report contribution
An experienced airport manager should plan in advance for holiday seasons to make sure their manpower is at its full strength during peaks. Blackout dates allowing no vacations in busier times are one (though unpopular) option to be prepared. Some airports / airlines extend shifts against overtime payment to fully meet operational requirements. Stock water bottles, consider complimentary meals and rest areas for staff to take short breaks to avoid burnouts. Monitor your passenger flows and reallocate staff to busiest areas when needed ( i.e. move boarding staff to check- in, etc.). Pre- peak meeting with all airport stakeholders is a must to ensure everybody is on the same page. The combination of all of the above will save the day.

Like

Short-staffed at the airport during the busy holiday season. How do you effectively prioritize tasks?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Safety First

2 Passenger Flow

3 Operational Efficiency

4 Morale and Support

5 Communication Channels

6 Flexibility and Adaptability

Airport Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Airport Management

More relevant reading

Short-staffed at the airport during the busy holiday season. How do you effectively prioritize tasks?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Safety First

2 Passenger Flow

3 Operational Efficiency

4 Morale and Support

5 Communication Channels

6 Flexibility and Adaptability

Airport Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills