Security hero at Frankfurt Airport: A day in the life of Thomas Hatzenbühler

Security hero at Frankfurt Airport: A day in the life of Thomas Hatzenbühler

Frankfurt Airport is known for its large number of daily flights and the complex processes that guarantee smooth operations. Thomas Hatzenbühler, who works as Airside Duty Manager, plays a central role in this system. Although he doesn't have a pilot's license, he pilots a Mercedes Sprinter every day, which appears on radar screens as a small plane. Hatzenbühler and his team are responsible for checking the runways every four to six hours for possible safety risks.

Communication with the tower is essential to ensure that the rides are free of contamination. If problems arise, Hatzenbühler has the authority to temporarily close a track to ensure safety. In the event of emergency landings or other safety-related incidents, he is also on site and documents the events. In order to be able to work in this responsible position, Hatzenbühler completed more than a year of additional training to become an Airside Duty Manager, which also includes the aviation radio certificate.

Experience and teamwork

Hatzenbühler began his career in 2007 as a ramp agent and later progressed to load controller before finally taking on his current position as airside duty manager. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the need to keep a cool head in stressful situations. In the dynamic environment of an international airport, this is essential to avoid delay and other complications. Hatzenbühler is also the contact for authorities and airlines and coordinates all processes at the airport. Delays in processing can have serious consequences as the aircraft have to take off again quickly.

A particular example of the airport's challenges occurred on June 20, 2023, when a severe thunderstorm nearly resulted in a plane crash. A Boeing 767 from the South American company Latam was on its approach to land when the crew, consisting of three pilots, lost visibility of the runway due to dangerous wind shear and aborted the approach. In this critical situation, the pilots responded with maximum thrust for a climb and were able to successfully stabilize the aircraft after it had been descending for approximately 10 seconds.

Safety protocols and consequences

The aircraft's successful landing 35 minutes later ensured that there were no injuries, but the incident was classified as a "serious incident" and the Federal Aviation Accident Investigation Board initiated a comprehensive investigation. All relevant information about the crew, the aircraft and external influences is collected. The analysis of the data from the aircraft, air traffic control and the weather service will form the basis for the final report, which is expected next year.

The incidents taking place at Frankfurt Airport underline the importance of the work of professionals like Thomas Hatzenbühler, who have to act in stressful situations to ensure the safety and efficiency of air traffic.