Is Your Airport Prepared for a Cold Weather Emergency Response?
Bracing for the Deep Freeze
With temperatures in southwestern Ontario expected to feel like -25°C this week, winter is tightening its grip. For those of us in the aviation industry, it’s a stark reminder that time is of the essence when an emergency strikes in frigid conditions. Whether you’re an airline representative, airport operator, or part of an emergency management team, you need a robust plan to protect passengers, crew, and staff from the extreme cold.
When Seconds Count: A Real-Life Example
During my time working at Toronto Pearson International Airport, we faced a dramatic incident in January 2018: two 737-800 aircraft, operated by WestJet and Sunwing, collided on the ramp, sparking a fire. Although the fire was quickly contained, passengers aboard the WestJet flight—who had just arrived from sunny Cancun—had to evacuate onto the ramp in the middle of a Canadian winter. It was a harrowing experience for everyone involved, but it highlighted one crucial point:
If an aircraft had to evacuate at your airport, would you and those operating at your airport be ready to respond?
It’s not just about firefighting and medical aid. In cold weather, evacuees often don’t have coats or winter gear. Protecting them from hypothermia or frostbite is as critical as battling the primary threat—be it fire, collision, or another incident.
Cold Weather Challenges & Key Considerations
Rapid Deployment of Shelter and Transport
Evacuated passengers need immediate warmth. Having heated buses or shuttles on standby can be a literal lifesaver. Designating staging areas where these vehicles can quickly load evacuees prevents confusion and delays.Stocking Up on Essential Supplies
Blankets, coats, gloves, and hats may seem basic, but they become invaluable in sub-zero emergencies. Store these items in accessible locations and ensure staff know exactly where to find them.Coordinated Communication
Seamless coordination between airlines, ground handlers, airport operations, and first responders is non-negotiable. Everyone should be clear on who activates the evacuation plan, who provides medical assistance, and who coordinates transport to warm zones.Clear Roles and Responsibilities
When an evacuation alarm sounds, every second counts. Assign specific roles to your team—ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) personnel for firefighting and immediate passenger safety, transport coordinators for getting vehicles to the right place, and operations staff to manage terminal or hangar space.Post-Incident Support
The emergency doesn’t end once passengers are off the aircraft. Having medical checks for signs of hypothermia, distributing hot beverages and providing a calm environment are vital parts of the recovery process.
Introducing the Cold Weather Emergency Evacuation Response Plan
To help your organization stay prepared for winter-specific emergencies, we’ve developed a Cold Weather Emergency Evacuation Response Plan and Checklist. This free resource covers:
Immediate Response Measures to deploy ARFF teams and heated transport vehicles.
Sheltering and Care Protocols that outline designated warm zones with supplies like blankets, thermal gear, and beverages.
Communication Frameworks for internal coordination and timely passenger updates.
Post-Evacuation and Recovery Actions to ensure everyone receives proper care and support.
Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive, easy-to-implement guide that will make all the difference when minutes count.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Emergencies are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. With the right planning, training, and resources, your team can confidently tackle a cold weather evacuation. Let’s learn from past experiences—like the 2018 Toronto Pearson ramp collision—and ensure that if an evacuation occurs, no one is left out in the cold (literally).
Get Your Free Checklist
Download our Cold Weather Emergency Evacuation Response Plan and Checklist for free. We encourage all aviation professionals to review it, adapt it to their airport’s unique needs, and run regular drills to keep everyone well-prepared.
Stay safe and stay warm—time is of the essence in a cold weather emergency, and the time to prepare is right now.
Interested in more insights?
Subscribe to Acclivix Insights for the latest industry updates, best practices, and expert advice on all things aviation.