Weathering the Storm: Inside PIT’s Hurricane Contingency Operations

When a hurricane bears down on the East Coast, airports in the direct path often face extended shutdowns, flight cancellations and major disruptions. While Pittsburgh International Airport’s location is well inland, it doesn’t mean the airport isn’t affected by these storms.

PIT has emerged as a critical hub in keeping the nation’s air traffic moving when significant storms like hurricanes affect East Coast and Midwest airports. With strong winds, torrential rain and widespread power outages grounding flights and closing runways along the coast, PIT’s inland location, resiliency focus and excellent reputation for never closing make it a vital lifeline for both commercial and emergency operations.

PIT is currently on a record pace for diversions with 320 through Aug. 28. Most of these diversions are due to severe weather along the East Coast and throughout the rest of the United States. Most diversions are a “gas-n-go,” a quick refueling stop where an aircraft lands to take on fuel and then departs again without unloading or loading passengers or cargo. It’s essentially the aviation equivalent of a pit stop.

Hurricanes present an entirely different set of challenges and issues than a line of severe thunderstorms or a winter storm hitting an airport. It is why PIT has a robust hurricane response protocol—not because hurricanes directly threaten it, but because it’s a key inland diversion hub when storms impact East Coast or Gulf Coast airports.

“Safety and security are always the top priorities and that includes keeping the national air space moving when severe weather impacts parts of the country,” said Travis McNichols, Chief Operations Officer at Pittsburgh International Airport. “PIT’s geographic location and excellent reputation for smooth operations are critical for our airline partners who divert hundreds of flights annually here.”

When a major hurricane is forecast to affect the Eastern Seaboard—especially air travel hubs like New York, Washington, D.C. or Charlotte—PIT’s operations team activates a hurricane contingency plan designed to increase capacity, ensure safety and provide vital support to airlines and travelers impacted by storms.

The plan is activated days in advance of a hurricane hitting the United States. It begins the internal coordination with airport stakeholders, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and airline partners.

“We start monitoring storm models days in advance,” said Jim Moorhead, Vice President, Airport Operations. “Our team evaluates potential impacts on airspace, passenger flow and ramp operations, so we’re ready to pivot as flight diversions or relocations begin. Pittsburgh is built to keep air travel moving. It’s a responsibility we take seriously, and one we’re proud to deliver on.”

PIT’s hurricane response protocol begins with monitoring and forecasting. Its Airport Operations Center (AOC) constantly monitors the National Hurricane Center and FAA updates when a storm is projected to affect major U.S. airports. It initiates heightened awareness when a hurricane is forecast to impact Tier 1 diversion airports (e.g., ATL, CLT, MIA, IAH).

Once it is determined that a hurricane will impact the national air transportation system, coordinated planning begins with the expectation of flight diversions and overflow.

Here is how PIT prepares.

Airline Coordination

One of the most immediate impacts of a hurricane is the need for airports in safer regions to absorb diverted flights. PIT’s long parallel runways and ample ramp space allow it to accept a surge in commercial, charter and cargo aircraft that need to land away from the storm’s path.

They begin coordination with the FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center and individual carriers. They review expected diverted flight volume, aircraft types and potential international flights.

To prepare, PIT:

• Clears and designates remote parking areas for grounded aircraft
• Reserves parking space on taxiways and ramps for aircraft that can’t be accommodated at gates
• Allows flexible gate assignments for ops to reallocate gates in real time to absorb surges.
• Increases airfield staffing to guide additional arrivals
• Alerts fuel and ground handling teams to prepare for increased demand
• Coordinates with TSA to prepare for added passenger screening

During Hurricane Idalia in 2023, PIT accepted more than a dozen diverted flights over two days from airports in Florida and Georgia. Airport teams worked extended shifts to help disembark passengers, secure aircraft and ensure that travelers had food, shelter and information.

Supporting Airlines and Crews

Hurricanes can strand flight crews and aircraft far from their intended destinations. PIT’s airline operations center works with carriers to ensure crew accommodations and flight planning support.

“Our airline partners know they can rely on PIT as a safe harbor,” Moorhead said. “We’re able to accommodate not just aircraft, but the people behind them—pilots, flight attendants, ground staff.”

Additionally, PIT coordinates with its on-airport hotels and rental car partners to help travelers rebook or reroute their plans as quickly as possible.

Keeping the Terminal Ready

Inside the terminal, airport teams increase staffing, stock food vendors and ready customer service teams to handle overflow passenger traffic. Charging stations, Wi-Fi access and family care spaces like Presley’s Place provide comfort for travelers facing extended delays.

Passenger Services & Amenities

As a hurricane advances toward the eastern U.S., PIT alerts its food and beverage providers to prepare for possible extended hours and additional demand.

The airport also initiates its Irregular Operations (IROP) plan. The FAA requires U.S. airports to maintain contingency plans to handle excessive tarmac delays, surge capacity and terminal crowding, ensuring passenger safety and compliance with DOT rules.

The cause is usually from weather. At PIT, airport support individuals distribute blankets, water, hygiene kits and assist with rebooking or hotel coordination.

“Hurricanes present significant challenges and require enormous planning and coordination,” said Bill Calhoon, PIT Airport Operations Duty Manager.

“Hurricane paths are unpredictable, meaning all our partners must be able to adjust quickly. It’s what we train for. It’s also why the FAA and airlines know they can rely on PIT 365 days a year.”