Balancing Safety and Efficiency of Airport Operations under Lightning Threats

摘要

Lightning poses a serious threat to the safety of people working or pursuing recreational activities outdoors. Every year, numerous people are injured or killed by lightning, although it remains difficult to collect accurate data. Personnel working outdoors in the airport area, such as people servicing aircraft (e.g., baggage handlers, airplane fuel suppliers, food suppliers) or airport grounds and infrastructure maintenance staff are exposed to lightning threats. Therefore, when thunderstorms form or move near an airport, alerts are issued to suspend outdoor activities and bring people inside to safety. However, the resulting downtime periods affect airline and airport operational efficiency. The challenge is finding a good balance between personnel safety and operational efficiency.