IGA Istanbul Airport has implemented a comprehensive Emergency Management Plan to ensure the safety of passengers and staff in the event of an earthquake. İGA’s Chief Operating Officer, Ömer Demir, stated that the airport has a strong crisis management system in place to respond effectively to natural disasters.
24/7 Operational Continuity: The Role of APOC
Demir highlighted that the Airport Operations Centre (APOC) at Istanbul Airport manages all operational processes 24/7. “APOC carries out monitoring and control functions to ensure a swift response and communication during emergencies,” he explained, emphasising that the centre’s systems enhance coordination during natural disasters.
Earthquake Preparedness Systems
İGA Istanbul Airport’s Earthquake Response Plan is designed to minimise post-earthquake impacts through a three-stage process:
- Evacuation and Situation Assessment: Passengers and staff are directed to safe zones via emergency communication systems. Initial damage assessments are conducted by APOC to evaluate operational continuity.
- Operational Readiness: Critical infrastructure and services are inspected, and emergency priorities are determined in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
- Sustaining Operations: Processes such as the acceptance of aid aircraft, cargo and logistics operations, and passenger evacuations are organised efficiently.
Effective Crisis Management Through Technological Solutions
To prevent communication disruptions, backup radio systems, mobile command and control vehicles, and satellite phones will be activated. Additionally, surveillance cameras that monitor movement inside buildings, fire detection sensors, and generator-supported power systems will be utilised in emergency situations.
Humanitarian Aid Operations Activated Within the First 8 Hours
İGA Istanbul Airport has prepared plans for the Acceptance of Aid Aircraft, Passenger Evacuations, and Cargo Logistics Management to swiftly launch international humanitarian aid operations in the aftermath of an earthquake. Within the first eight hours, cooperation with AFAD and international organisations will facilitate the transportation of humanitarian aid teams and supplies.
Earthquake-Resistant Structural Design
Demir stated that the airport’s terminal building and other critical structures were built in compliance with the Turkish Airfield Structures Earthquake Regulation (THMDY-2020). He emphasised that the terminal was designed to maintain uninterrupted daily operations while also being resilient to major earthquakes.
Advantage of Distance from the North Marmara Fault Line
Demir pointed out that İGA Istanbul Airport is located 42 kilometres away from the North Marmara Fault Line, reducing the potential impact of an earthquake compared to other regions. He also noted that structures such as the terminal, bridges, and viaducts have been reinforced with specialised engineering solutions.
Guarantee of Safe and Uninterrupted Operations
Demir explained that analyses conducted after the 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes confirmed that the airport’s structures meet the highest performance criteria. “These assessments have once again verified that İGA Istanbul Airport can sustain uninterrupted operations in the event of an earthquake,” he concluded.
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