Here's how you can handle last-minute changes to deadlines and adapt as an airport manager.

Staying informed as an airport manager involves leveraging technology and maintaining strong communication channels. Use real-time monitoring systems, mobile apps, and automated alerts to get instant updates on flights, weather, and operations. Conduct daily briefings with key departments and hold regular meetings with stakeholders like airlines and government agencies to stay updated on any potential issues or changes. This proactive approach ensures timely and effective decision-making.

In my experience, a good airport manager has to be on top of things. Some key areas of focus must be, - Being aware of aircraft routings. - Factoring in the weather at the origin, transit and destination airports of the aircrafts touching your airport. - Liaising with all stakeholders at the airport and keeping a good rapport with key personnel in customs, immigrations and local security agencies. - Being prepared with - Being aware of defects and MEL on the inbound flight and having a conversation about them with the AME before flight arrival often helps. - Keeping your team informed about potential disruption and formulating a plan of action well in advance. Planning well in advance always saves the day!

Being prepared as an airport manager involves having robust contingency plans, flexible resources, and trained staff. Develop detailed protocols for common disruptions, ensure cross-training for versatile staff deployment, and maintain flexible schedules. Regularly conduct scenario-based drills to keep the team ready for emergencies, and ensure clear communication channels for real-time updates. This preparation enables quick, effective responses to any unexpected changes.

Effective communication as an airport manager involves maintaining clear and open channels with all stakeholders, including airlines, staff, and passengers. Utilize real-time updates through digital signage, mobile apps, and public announcements. Conduct regular meetings and briefings to keep everyone informed about changes and issues. Ensure a central command center coordinates information dissemination and decision-making, and establish feedback loops to continually improve communication processes. This approach ensures everyone is informed and can respond promptly to any situation.

Be honest and transparent in your communication. This includes internal and external customers, both. When people look up to you, it all boils down to how trustworthy you are! - Keep your customers aware of the situation with realtime updates. - Take ownership of the things that didn't go as planned, apologize. - Thank and appreciate your teammates often! - Be mindful of your tone, never vent out your frustrations on your team. - Allocate staff at appropriate locations, so that they are visible to passengers during IRROPS. Ensure their presence at key areas. - Be available. - Plan well and discuss the plan of action with the team, before execution. Empathy goes a long way, practice it.

Team collaboration as an airport manager is essential for smooth operations. Foster a collaborative environment by holding regular inter-departmental meetings to discuss ongoing issues and potential solutions. Encourage open communication and the sharing of information across teams. Implement collaborative tools and platforms to streamline communication and coordination. Promote a culture of teamwork and mutual support, ensuring all departments work together seamlessly during routine operations and in response to disruptions. This collective approach enhances efficiency and problem-solving capabilities.

Stakeholder engagement as an airport manager involves building strong relationships with airlines, government agencies, contractors, and passengers. Regularly communicate with these groups through meetings, briefings, and updates to address their concerns and incorporate their feedback into airport operations. Foster transparency by sharing relevant information and involving stakeholders in decision-making processes. This proactive engagement ensures collaboration, improves satisfaction, and enhances the overall efficiency and effectiveness of airport management.