Letter to Secretary Chao, Department of Transportation - Institute a Plan to Make Sure Coordination is Better Next Time & So People Aren't in Travel-Hell

Letter

Dear Secretary Chao:

I write to request your assistance in addressing some of the coordination and communication issues that occurred at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) following last week's winter storm. While there is no question that the problems at JFK were a result of multiple factors, including bad weather, operational mistakes, poor timing, and the cascading impact of airport disruptions on the entire aviation network, it's also clear that better communication between foreign airlines, the Port Authority, and terminal operators could have helped to prevent some of the chaos.

I am aware that former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will be conducting a thorough investigation of the situation, and I eagerly await the results of that review and any recommendations he may have. That said, I also believe we should start making progress on some of the underlying issues immediately, and that includes using the Department of Transportation's leverage over foreign airlines to encourage them develop more meaningful communication systems and contingency plans with the Port Authority, and the individual companies that manage terminal operations.

While certainly not the only factor, in this case communication breakdowns between international airlines and ground operations contributed to an unacceptable situation. Passengers were left stranded, luggage was lost, and flights were diverted as a result of, among other things, the inability for international airlines, the Port Authority, and terminal operators to quickly and adequately communicate on a plan of action. It's notable that while every airline experienced issues as a result of the weather related emergency, the situation was far worse with foreign carriers. It's my firm belief that part of the reason for that is that foreign airlines simply do not have the same level of cooperation, coordination, and communication with ground control operations.

As you are aware, the Department of Transportation has tremendous leverage over foreign airlines because the Department is responsible for issuing Foreign Air Carrier Certificates for airlines wishing to operate in the United States. It's my hope that you will utilize that leverage to ensure that foreign airlines work hand-in-glove with the Port Authority and terminal operators to develop a real and meaningful solution so that this situation never happens again. While I remain mindful that foreign airlines are not solely to blame for this situation and that all parties must do better job in protecting passengers, that does not change the fact that foreign airlines will be a critical part of the solution.

I appreciate your attention to this matter, should you need more information please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer

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