Media Guide

Palm Beach County Department of Airports

Public Information Officer: Rebeca Krogman
Phone: 561-656-5963
Business Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday
Non-emergency inquiries made outside of business hours will be answered the following business day.

Quick Links

Fact Sheet

Passenger Statistics Reports

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Airport Name Change

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding New Standardized Flight Procedures

Emergencies

The Palm Beach County Department of Airports (DOA) is committed to cooperating with the news media to the fullest extent possible; however, the safety, security and orderly operation of the airport remain our top priorities. In the event of an emergency at one of the DOA airports that is expected to attract significant media attention, the following procedures serve as our guidelines:

Non-Aircraft Emergencies:

The communications team, in coordination with the investigating organization, will serve as the media’s point of contact.

The DOA Communications team will provide the following information:

• Date and time of the incident
• Area of the airport affected
• Impact on travelers
• Investigating organization

Investigating Agencies

• PBSO – traffic accidents, criminal activities
• TSA – passenger screening and checkpoint security
• Palm Beach County Fire Rescue – medical, fire and HazMat incidents

Aircraft/Airfield Emergencies

Information Released by DOA:

• The DOA Communications team will provide the following information as it becomes available:

• Impact on airport operations
• Investigating organization
• Special instructions for media access and/or escort

Information Released by Other Agencies:

• National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): releases all information regarding accident investigations, including cause and contributing factors. Speculation on the cause is not permitted.
• Airline: passenger manifest (list of passenger names)
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): preliminary statements related to aircraft accidents/incidents and air traffic communications with involved pilots
• Coroner/Medical Examiner: confirmation of any fatalities

All other information will be provided by the airline or the appropriate investigating agency.

The DOA PIO will notify the press of any scheduled press conferences. Media reporting on an aircraft emergency, accident or incident should release only confirmed information as it becomes available.

Media access to the airfield may be granted depending on the nature of the event. Pooling resources may be required. Access to the scene will be allowed only after it has been declared secure. DOA, or the appropriate authority, will designate assembly points. Media representatives must follow all directions from PBSO, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue/ARFF or authorized airport/federal officials. No media personnel may enter aircraft movement or secure areas without an escort.

Media must not interfere with public pedestrian or vehicle traffic, or with airline, airport, tenant, or concessionaire operations. While interviewing passengers is permitted, passenger privacy takes priority. If individuals decline interviews or photographs, DOA will respect their wishes.

During an aircraft accident, access to passengers requires approval by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, the involved airline, PBSO, FAA, FBI, NTSB, TSA or other DHS agencies.

Alert System

Radio transmissions may indicate an Alert I or II, signaling a real or perceived problem. Emergency staff responds with heightened readiness.

• Alert I – Station Standby: ARFF personnel stand by in their apparatus on the fire station ramp.
• Alert II – ARFF personnel respond to pre-determined standby positions for the landing runway; may escalate to Alert III.
• Alert III – Crash or fire involving an aircraft.

Important Contact Information
 

Palm Beach County Department of Airports

Other Agencies