Members of the BWI Marshall Airport snow team. (BWI)
Airport winter weather operations are critical to maintaining the safety and efficiency of air travel. The primary objective of airport snow operations is to ensure that aircraft can land, take off, and taxi safely and without difficulty during winter storm conditions. This involves clearing snow and ice from airport runways, taxiways and apron areas.
For Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport, planning and preparation for the winter season goes on year-round. The snow removal team receives extensive training with specialized equipment to understand the airport’s layout and to operate snow-removal equipment safely. Skilled airport personnel maintain the specialized vehicles and equipment throughout the year.
Operations during a winter weather event are a shared responsibility. Airport personnel, the airlines, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) all work closely together to ensure safe operations for travelers. The airport is responsible for snow removal and operations of the facility. Airlines are responsible for flight operations and de-icing their aircraft. The FAA controls air traffic and manages the movement of aircraft on the airfield.
The BWI Marshall Airport snow team in action a few years ago. (BWI)
The airport has a dedicated team that works around the clock during snow events to keep runways and roadways safe. The staff is responsible for clearing up to one inch of snow from priority pavement surfaces within 30 minutes. The priority pavement includes approximately 19 million square feet of runways, taxiways and apron areas.
For BWI Marshall Airport, winter weather operations begin well before snowflakes begin to fall or ice begins to accumulate. Weather forecasts and other critical details are shared with airport tenants, including airline partners.
The snow team pre-treats runways and taxiways. Snow removal begins as soon as snow starts to accumulate, with a priority on clearing and maintaining runway surfaces. Employees treat and plow the airfield as needed for airline flights. Parking lots and public roadways are plowed and treated as appropriate.
The airport using specialized equipment to clear snow from the airport grounds. (David Trozzo/MDOT)
BWI Marshall Airport uses a range of equipment, including snowplows, sweepers, and de-icing trucks, which are designed to remove both the snow and the ice that can form in freezing temperatures. The airport utilizes several high-speed, multi-function vehicles that include plow, sweeper, and jet blower functions in each unit. In addition, BWI Marshall uses snow melters to melt snow from aircraft ramp areas. The airport owns eight snow melters, and each unit is capable of melting 135 tons of snow per hour.
At BWI Marshall Airport, winter weather operations are a complex and essential component of maintaining safe air travel during the winter months. Through extensive planning, preparation, training and execution, the airport’s snow team is able to manage the challenges posed by snow and ice, ensuring that passengers can travel with confidence even in the harshest of weather conditions.
Jonathan Dean is Communications Director at the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Aviation Administration.
