Tulsa International Airport Prepares Grounds For Winter Conditions

Crews at Tulsa International Airport are constantly monitoring the weather and preparing for whatever falls from Tulsa's skies.

The airport is responsible for clearing snow and ice from the airport runways, taxiways, and roads, while airlines are responsible for de-icing and preparing planes for takeoff.

The Director of Operations said it's all about keeping passengers and employees safe, both on the ground and in the air.

"It's a double edge sword on that part. Yeah, it's fun but it's not," said Shawn Chittum, Director of Operations.

Snow crews are on standby at Tulsa International Airport. They have 10 to 12 people on each crew, working 12-hour shifts.

"You have to worry about that truck. You have to worry about the placement of the ice and the snow. Where you're putting it. You also have to worry about aircrafts that are coming in. You never know when one's gonna land on top of your head, so your eyes are on a swivel at all times," said Chittum.

The airport said safety is paramount.

"We have communication everywhere," said Chittum.

The airport has seven snowplows, five brooms and two blowers ready to roll. If the snow gets really bad, they'll shut down the runway.

Chittum said it takes 30 to 45 minutes to clear the main runway.

"We have censors on the runway that measures the temperature of the pavement on the top and underground that gives us what we should expect. The freezing conditions will be on the actual pavement itself," said Chittum.

The censors help determine which chemical to use to treat the runways. Chittum said they have a 20,000-gallon tank full of chemicals for icy conditions.

"We have to be perfect and precise in the timing that we get that put down," said Chittum.

He said it can be a thankless job with long hours, but much needed when winter weather strikes.

"They are a great crew and when they go out and do their job, they do it 100%," said Chittum.

The airport will post flight updates on their website and their Facebook Page.

They suggest you call to make sure flights haven't been cancelled. 

Allegiant – www.allegiantair.com – (702) 505-8888 

American – www.aa.com – (800) 433-7300 

Breeze Airways – www.flybreeze.com 

Delta – www.delta.com - (800) 221-1212 

Frontier Airlines – www.flyfrontier.com - 801-401-9000 

Southwest – www.southwest.com - (800) 435-9792 

United – www.united.com - (800) 864-8331