The Network Manager in times of crisis

The Network Manager can assist in regulating or in stopping traffic from flying to an affected airport, and for helping aircraft stuck there to leave.

The Network Manager makes the link between what is happening on the ground and the overall network. Clearly it is not about acting at a single airport, but at the level of the overall network. We have learnt from the various problems encountered throughout the network in the winter of 2010 and there are now tools and procedures in place to help mitigate the impact of bad weather on operations.

Our aim is to deliver a flexible service to assist airports in dealing with these difficult and complex situations and consequently provide best possible support and information to the airspace users.

Communication on the actions taken in collaboration with all partners involved takes place on the Network Operations Portal. In the event whereby European airports encounter major disruptions, the Network Manager activates the network disruption procedure. Consultation with focal points and key players at the impacted airports, ANSPs, aircraft operators is organised by means of teleconferences. Read more on disruption procedure and crisis management.

The EUROCONTROL Guidelines for ANSP Contingency Planning (Including Service Continuity) – Ed. 2.0, April 2009 (pdf)  provides a framework that will allow plans to be formulated with the objective of maintaining as normal a service as possible during any adverse conditions.