Originally Posted by
EEngr
Which this was. I would think that a planned alternate somewhere near the original destination would be preferable to having the plane end up half way around the world from it's original schedule. Not to mention the replacement crew that got left behind in New York and subsequent flights planned for that equipment and personnel. All which could have been solved with a few cab/bus rides had LGA or somplace in New Jersey been used for the diversion.
Individual airlines may have a diversion plan, but what about the airport operator? Port Authority of NY-NJ owns not only the international airports JFK and EWR, they also own Stewart International Airport (SWF) in Newburgh, NY, about 60 air miles north of JFK. It often used as a diversion destination when serious storms are hitting the NYC area and international arrivals are inbound and approaching fuel limits. It is also serves as the "parking lot" for many diplomatic aircraft (most of which are wide-bodies) during the annual UN General Assembly. Although the terminal is rather small , 7 jetway gates (but more than half of the 11 gates of Terminal 1), has immigration and customs facilities, and it is VERY underutilized. There are also several large hangers which are in good shape and could be used as temporary terminals.
There is no reason why the Port Authority does not have a back plan in their pocket ready for exactly the kind of situation they faced here. It would include diverting a select number of long range inbound flights to SWF, processing passengers through immigration and customs, and bussing them south to NYC, about a 90 minute ride to Manhattan. Any flight still reasonably close to their origin could return, and perhaps some other flights could be diverted to EWR, BOS or PHL. There are 11 gates at Terminal 1. I don't know how many total flight operations occur out of there on a daily basis, but it has to be possible to have a backup plan that could handle it.