The Impact of Closure on Major U.S. Airports: A Seismic Test for U.S. Aviation Infrastructure

The robust network of air transportation in the United States relies heavily on a handful of major airports. What would happen if these airports were to cease functioning completely? This scenario would indeed challenge the entire aviation industry but would not necessarily lead to a complete shutdown. Understanding the infrastructure, the redundancies in place, and the historical context provides insight into how such an event might unfold.

Redundancies Built into the System

Major airports such as O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) serve as hubs for domestic and international flights. However, these hubs have significant backups in place. Smaller regional airports and international airports near these major hubs can be repurposed to support the flow of air traffic to some extent.

Examples of Backup Measures

Say, for example, if O'Hare International Airport were to cease operations entirely. This would likely result in delays and cancellations, but the adjacent regional airports like Midway International Airport (MDW) in Chicago could help in diverting some flights. Similarly, JFK and LaGuardia in New York have regional counterparts in Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Teterboro Airport (TEB) that could be used to reroute traffic. In Texas, Dallas Love Field (DAL) stands as an alternative to DFW.

These networked airports are interconnected through a complex logistical system designed to handle such disruptions. Traffic control centers, airlines, and airport authorities work together to reorganize routes and reroute flights, albeit with some level of congestion.

Historical Precedents and Mitigations

The historical precedent of major disruptions is instructive. Though Europe has numerous large airports, it experienced a similar challenge during the 2020 pandemic when hubs like London Heathrow (LHR), Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Frankfurt Airport (FRA), and Milan Malpensa (FCO) faced significant delays and cancellations. These airports, famous for being the largest in Europe, were virtually closed for several months, yet the avionics and global air traffic control systems managed to cope with the situation.

In the case of the United States, the impact might be more localized and gradual. During the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, all U.S. airports were closed for nearly three days. This event demonstrated that while the entire network of air travel was severely disrupted, it was managed to reopen and function again.

Future Preparedness and Considerations

The lessons learned from such past events highlight the need for continued investment in resilience and preparedness. Plans for contingencies, such as alternative flight paths, spare aircraft and crew, and backup communication systems, are essential.

In conclusion, the failure of five major U.S. airports would undoubtedly cause significant disruption, but it would not necessitate a total collapse of the airline industry. With the existing network of regional airports and the well-established redundant systems, there would be a manageable, albeit temporary, impact on air travel. Historical precedents from other regions and crises provide valuable insights into how such disruptions can be navigated effectively.