Keeping operations safe when the temperature drops and risks rise
Winter brings a different set of operational pressures. Shorter days, colder temperatures and unpredictable weather mean every part of the airline - from crew scheduling to line maintenance - needs to be on alert.
Based on the European Safety Risk Management (SRM) process and other safety intelligence available, 6 recurring winter safety issues have been identified that demand extra vigilance. These are:
Aircraft Icing - From Gate to Cruise
Where It Happens. On the ramp during pre-flight, in climb-through cloud layers, and even at high altitude with ice crystals.
Risks. Increased drag, reduced lift, engine flame outs and inaccurate air data from pitot tubes.
Best Practice. Never rush pre-flight de-icing; if in doubt, apply anti-ice early. Monitor for subtle icing effects during the flight.
Runway Contamination
Where It Happens. Snow, slush, ice, or standing water.
Risks. Poor braking, longer take-off/landing distances and reducing steering control on airport surfaces.
Best Practice. Use the Global Reporting Format (GRF) to make data-driven decisions; reassess conditions after snow clearing or temperature drops.
Ground Crew Exposure and Ramp Safety
Where It Happens. Aircraft turnarounds, baggage loading, fuelling and pushback.
Risks. Slips, trips, frostbite and vehicle incidents in low visibility.
Best Practice. Ensure PPE is rated for the weather conditions. Enforce slower vehicle speeds. Give crews adequate warm-up breaks.
Turbulence Injuries
Where It Happens. Over mountain ranges, in jet stream crossings and/or near frontal systems.
Risks. Injuries to unbelted passengers or standing crew.
Best Practice. Keep “Fasten Seatbelt” signs on longer; give clear PAs; if turbulence is forecast, secure the cabin early.
Performance Planning Errors
Where It Happens. Dispatch and flight deck.
Risks. Incorrect take-off/landing calculations if contamination or temperature effects are misapplied.
Best Practice. Double-check inputs in snowy/icy conditions. Confirm runway condition codes. Be aware of de-rated thrust limitations in cold soak conditions.
Fatigue and Reduced Alertness
Where It Happens. Across all operations during shorter daylight hours.
Risks. Slower reaction times, poor decision-making and checklist drift.
Best Practice. Manage rostering to reduce consecutive night shifts. Promote fatigue reporting. Encourage daylight exposure.
Winter Safety Issues - Safety Pillars Summary
🧠 Mindset
Winter operations demand anticipation - plan for disruption, don’t just react to it.
👥 People
Protect ground and flight crews from the elements and operational pressure. Keep morale and alertness high.
⚙️ Equipment
Cold affects everything: brakes, hydraulics, batteries, GPUs and door seals. Ensure winterisation checks are up to date.
📋 Compliance
Follow seasonal SOPs for de-icing, contaminated runway operations and turbulence procedures.
⚠️ Risks
Most winter events are repeat offenders - the same hazards will return each year, often in the same scenarios.
📚 Learning
Past winters show that rushing turnarounds, skipping steps and underestimating weather are the top contributors to incidents. Prevention is about discipline, not luck.
Final Word
Winter hazards don’t sneak up on us - we know they’re coming. The safest airlines are the ones that treat every winter like it’s their first, with fresh eyes, sharp discipline and zero complacency.
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