Here's how you can effectively balance competing priorities and meet deadlines as an airport manager.

To maintain efficiency and meet deadlines, prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. Address safety and security concerns immediately, while delegating or scheduling less pressing tasks. Utilize clear communication with your team, setting realistic deadlines and expectations. Regularly assess the workload and delegate effectively, empowering your team to contribute their strengths. By fostering collaboration and prioritizing effectively, you can ensure a smooth-running airport that meets all its goals.

I find helpful to have a clear understanding on what are safety and security related activities, but, keeping in mind that aviation is business, companies, airlines and airports must be profitable while being safe and secure…. Have clarity on what is Safety, Security and operational priorities help decision makers to optimum action… Example: on one same day following three situations happen in one airport 1. Oil spill in one parking stand. 2. Access door to an sterile area gets damaged, access of unauthorized persons may be difficult to control 3. Electrical failure at counters area, making impossible to document passengers at half of the counters… All three are critical, if priorities are clear, issues should be fixed timely

In strategic airport management, first it is key to know that the airport is an ecosystem where the customer is the center piece, and it is vital to align ends, ways and means. It is important to consider, that the endstate of an airport strategic management plan normally has to be priorize in the context of objectives related to aviation security and safety managament, that also has to be priorize, in service airport operations to customers in the airside and in the landside. Managament has a part of art and science, that includes designing of the updated layout according to the technology you have avalaible, a strong and coherent plan to execute, and a persistant assessment to be successful.

Airports are places where everything seems to be meant to happen as per schedule; but the real challenge of airport managers is to handle emergencies in an efficient and effective manner. Everything that is scheduled is set to happen and priority management needed for that, as that is scheduled; and that is not scheduled, is not known, and when that becomes know , it is called action item, there are different gravity or degree for each action, but , yes airport are effective resilience demonstrator . Resilience in aviation is a benchmark for airports. Airport Managers are always alert and vigilant to respond in seconds not in minutes. Recent example of rescue of aircraft on fire of JAL with no casualty is a glittering example of action

Identify the most important tasks and deadlines that need to be met. Use tools like to-do lists, task management software, or project management tools to keep track of all priorities.

In aviation delegation is by assignment of duty. Role and Duty in each situation is fixed by order and designation.It is technology driven by nature and delegation can be done only within the scope of assignment; that means a team work under delegation. Yes, no one can everything himself, as such for efficient and effective delivery teams are built for specific task and goals and those become part of different delegations under the umbrella of a team leader, say airport director,operations, Fire etc. Technology has brought in a paradigm shift in airport management, IT based Network System is spread all over the airport that links each and every activity , this makes the job of airport director easy, he has to just manage the Dash Board.

Delegate tasks to capable team members to distribute the workload and ensure that everything gets done on time. Assigning responsibilities based on expertise and availability can help you focus on key priorities.

Aviation terminology has two types of Communication, i.e. Hardware and Software sides of Communication. Since Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) is the bloodline of operations, thus one 'C' of communication is dedicated to CNS. Other Communication that connects and links all other than the operation is the Soft part of the Communication. IT based network ensures effective communication between people at various vantage points at airports and off airport locations. Both the Communication are essential for the seamless operation of aircraft and seamless transition of passengers at airports. Yes, Communication is the Key of success of airport operations.

Maintain open communication with your team and stakeholders to ensure everyone is aligned on goals and timelines. Regular updates and status meetings can help keep everyone informed and address any issues or delays promptly.

Modern Airports are embracing technology from the point a passenger start planning his journey until he reaches his destination. Unique Passenger Experience is the wish of airports, airlines and third party stakeholders. Right from curb side to tarmac the technology embrace each and every bit of airport operations. Rather, there are technologies that are being developed for aviation only. Automation, AI, Robotics, Facial Recognition, Body Scanners, Safety and Security Systems, are some of the buzz words that make the technology developers and providers happy. There are dedicate air show and exhibitions to demonstrate and sell the same. Big Business awaits there.

There are some airport specific terms, e.g. Aero and Non-Aero Revenue Stream. New aircraft that is evolving from Drones (Air Taxi). MRO and Aero Cities , etc. All these shall be developed and evolved so that readers can explore them at will, as and when they need.

e prepared to adjust priorities and timelines as needed to accommodate unexpected changes or urgent issues. Having a contingency plan in place can help you adapt to shifting circumstances without compromising overall objectives.