ABSTRACT
Safety enhancement in aviation is in the focus of the public debate. Recently a number of serious accidents have fuelled the discussion on decreased safety levels during operational practice in some segments of the industry, defining ‘risky carriers’. Due to a major accident in The Netherlands, the notion of a more integral safety management of airports has been put forward, anticipating on the expected growth in the aviation industry. Analysing the items in policy decision making, the safety of airports proves to be a marginal aspect in the debate, restricting the safety contribution to external safety risks.
However, there are unique opportunities to incorporate safety in the debate. Suggestions are made to develope strategic arguments and dedicated techniques to incorporate safety in the debate about a second national airport. In this respect safety can evolve from an operational experience into a design requirement in the conceptual phase of a major project.
To facilitate such an evolution, safety should encompass related aspects including external and internal risk, emergency and rescue planning and the sustainable implementation in its regional context.
