MEMPHIS, TENN. (January 8, 2025) – With winter precipitation in the forecast this week, Memphis International Airport (MEM) is providing passengers with information about how winter weather affects air travel and how the airport works to keep flights arriving and departing safely:
Snow Operations:
- When winter weather is forecast, MEM schedules its crews based on the amount, duration and type of the expected precipitation. Snow and ice require different types of treatment.
- The goal is to prevent the buildup of ice and snow on runways and taxiways so that aircraft can continue to operate safely. Crews also work around the clock to clear ramps, service roads, terminal roadways, fuel farm loading areas and more.
MEM has more than 40 vehicles dedicated to snow/ice removal, including snow brooms, plow trucks, snow blowers, liquid and granular de-icing trucks, and tractors.- Approximately 140 employees from airfield and building maintenance are available for snow operations, along with staff from Operations, Communications, Airport Police, Procurement, and other areas. The vast majority of the Airport Authority’s 300 employees are involved in winter weather operations in some capacity.
- Airfield crews will work around the clock to clear runways.
- MEM’s centralized deicing facility will be active for airlines to perform deicing operations as needed.
Airlines:
- Passengers should contact their airline before traveling. Airlines manage all aspects of scheduling and will have the most up-to-date information. Early morning flights in particular could be affected.
- Even if MEM is open with flights arriving and departing, weather across the U.S. could disrupt airline schedules this week.
- Airlines are also responsible for all aspects of ticketing, baggage, and gate operations.
- While MEM is responsible for clearing runways and taxiways, airlines handle all aspects of deicing aircraft including staffing, application and equipment maintenance.
Other Passenger Information:
- Allow for extra time to get to the airport due to road conditions. It is recommended that they arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their scheduled departure.
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