Measures implemented by Fraport Greece at the 14 Regional Airports, in response to Covid-19
The following are highlights of the steps we are taking at Fraport Greece airports
Athens, March 16, 2020: At these critical times for both Public Health and Greece, Fraport Greece, the operator of 14 regional Airports, has been since January and maintains direct and frequent communication with state health officials, including the Hellenic National Public Health Organization - EODY), for the implementation of Coronavirus-19 measures.
The following are highlights of the steps we are taking at Fraport Greece airports:
- In regards to COVID-19, we follow closely EODY action plan which is also in line with our emergency response plans that are developed in compliance with domestic and international regulatory frameworks and are approved by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (YPA).
- In a joint effort with the Fire Department, we have taken all necessary measures to mitigate hazards for the first responders. Meticulous cleaning and disinfection takes place regularly at all predetermined areas of the Fire Stations.
- Adequate quantities of Personal Protective Equipment kits (including protective eyewear, facemasks and caps, antiseptic gel, disposable gowns and gloves) for airport operatr employees have been procured since January 2020.
- At security checkpoints, screening personnel are required to wear facemasks, while the use of gloves is, in any case, mandated by Fraport's Greece reference procedure, followed at all the airports we manage.
- Airport employees continuously advise passengers to maintain a 1.5-meter minimum distance from others, while queuing at security checkpoints or departure gates.
- When feasible, a walk in – walk out practice is followed during embarkation/disembarkation, so that travelers can avoid airport shuttle buses from the terminal to the aircrafts and vice versa.
- Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 disease and as part of our Emergency Response Plan, all the airports we manage have designated areas for passengers who exhibit symptoms of the disease during flight (possible incidents), and separate areas for their co-passengers.
- To minimize any chance our employees contract or spread the virus, and to maintain a safe and uninterrupted operation of Greece's critical airport infrastructure, we have modified our shift procedures and advised our personnel to avoid close personal contact on shift changes.
- At the same time, we have prepared plans regarding the safe management of biologically hazardous waste, the disinfection of aircrafts, vehicles and airport areas, as well as the proper management of possible incidents in our facilities.
- We are prepared for disinfection following a possible or verified incidents of the disease, using proper protocols and personal protective gear for our cleaning personnel.
- Our cleaning services have increased the frequency of cleaning/ preventive disinfection at all public access areas of the airport.
In more detail:
1) Arrivals: following each arrival, thorough cleaning and disinfection of all high touch point surfaces, including doors and door handles, conveyor belts, handrails, elevator buttons, airport seating and tables, water dispensers, restroom basins and equipment etc.)
2) Departures: following each departure, thorough cleaning and disinfection of all high touch point areas.
3) Check-in counters: upon completion of the check-in procedure for each flight, thorough cleaning and disinfection of all high touch point areas.
4) Gate counters: following the embarkation procedure for each flight, thorough cleaning and disinfection of all high touch point areas.
5) Automatic Teller Machines (Cash ATMs): thorough cleaning, according to existing protocols and recommendations.
6) Passport and Customs Control Areas accessible to passengers: thorough cleaning and disinfection of all high touch point surfaces, following each use.
7) Other common areas and uncontrolled facilities: thorough cleaning and disinfection of all high touch point surfaces.
- Security Screen Checkpoints: following the departure of all passengers of each flight, or every 3 hours if that's not feasible, thorough cleaning and disinfection of all high touch point surfaces (personal itemz trays and X-ray conveyor belts).
- Restrooms (WC): thorough cleaning and disinfection of all facilities (including doors and door handles, water taps and basins, toilet bowls and other accessories or equipment, etc.). Paper towel dispensers are installed at every airport toilet, while soap and running water supply is checked regularly, so as to ensure a maximum level of personal hygiene for both passengers and airport personnel, in accordance with recommendations by WHO and Public Health Officials.
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of Fraport Greece office facilities, at regular frequency.
- Tensa-barriers are put before every check-in counter and sales desk, so that a safe distance is maintained between passengers during check-in & ticketing. Moreover, we have required id badge issuing officers to wear gloves and we have reduced the number of people entering id badge issuing facilities at the same time.
- Remaining committed to a high level of responsibility towards the Greek society as far as Public Health is concerned, and aiming to maintain the safe and resilient operation of Fraport Greece, we have asked our headquarters employees to stay home and work remotely.
- Finally, we frequently communicate with all our employees to support EODY "Stay Home - Menoume Spiti" initiative and share EODY's recommendation and measures.