Weathering Winter Travel
December 4, 2024
Winter weather can turn even the most well-laid travel plans into a waiting game. When flights are delayed or canceled, it’s natural to wonder: What went wrong? Who’s responsible? And what happens next?
At Quad Cities International Airport, both the airport team and airlines work tirelessly to minimize disruptions and prioritize safety during winter weather events. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we keep things moving when snow, ice and freezing temperatures roll in.
Clearing the Runways: A Team Effort
At MLI, we have dedicated snow removal teams ready to spring into action day or night, 7 days a week, and on holidays. I want to give special recognition to our snow removal teams who take the call to leave their families in order to keep our airport operational. The shifts are challenging and they’re the best at what they do. Operating massive, specialized equipment in less-than-ideal conditions, these professionals are tasked with keeping the runways and taxiways clear and safe for aircraft.
Why no salt?
Unlike your driveway, airport runways can’t be treated with salt—it’s highly corrosive for aircraft, so we rely on heavy machinery, specially formulated liquid and solid deicers to manage snow and ice. It’s a methodical, high-stakes process that must be repeated throughout a storm and even days after the storm moves out.
Safety First: Making the Call
Once the runways and taxiways are cleared, airport operations coordinators test the surface conditions using a specialized device that measures braking action. The data is shared with pilots, who use it to determine whether it’s safe to take off or land.
It’s worth noting that decisions about delays or cancellations often involve more than just conditions at MLI. Weather patterns along your route or at your destination can create ripple effects across the airline’s entire network, impacting schedules even in places where the skies are clear.
The Deicing Dance
Before takeoff in winter weather, aircraft must be deiced to remove snow, ice, or frost that could compromise performance. This process, conducted by airline crews, involves spraying the plane with a heated deicing fluid.
Here’s the tricky part: deicing fluid has a limited “holdover time” (usually about 30 minutes). If the plane doesn’t take off within that window, the process must be repeated. Coordinating deicing, snow clearing and safe departure times becomes even more challenging when multiple aircraft need attention during a storm.
Pro Tips for Winter Travel
Winter weather is unpredictable, but you can take steps to make your journey smoother:
- Pack your patience. Delays happen, but safety always comes first.
- Stay informed. Download your airline’s app for real-time updates.
- Have a backup plan. Know your airline’s contact info and consider travel insurance for added peace of mind.
At MLI, we’re committed to doing everything we can to keep you safe and on your way. Winter weather may present challenges, but with preparation and teamwork, we’re ready to tackle whatever the season brings.