Airport Blogs & Travel Insight
The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) has been serving passengers since 1947. The airport welcomed more than 8.7 million passengers in 2023 representing a 15.4% increase over 2022. CVG offers the lowest airfares in the region and 50+ nonstop destinations with 14 airlines. As the 6th largest cargo airport in North America and home to the Amazon Air Hub and DHL Express Global Superhub, CVG is diversified in both passenger and cargo operations. With an annual impact of $9.3 billion (2022) on the local economy, the airport drives regional growth and remains a leader in innovation.
Capitalizing on over 77 years of commercial airport expertise and a wide range of resources and thought leadership within the organization, CVG offers two blog channels.
On the Horizon
On the Horizon blog serves up the latest stories and news from CVG Airport. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, have a vested interest in the airport or just love to travel, you’re invited to follow along to learn and engage with CVG.
Jet with Jay
Join Jay Kruz, DJ at Mix 94.9 in Cincinnati, for his non-stop flight adventures from CVG Airport to destinations all around the world. Jet with Jay will tour you around great destinations while providing inspiration on seamless travel and getting to cool places on a budget!
- Oct 9, 2024
A reunion at CVG is in a league of its own
Cassie Kiser / CVG Airport / October 8, 2024CVG Airport is a special place where important moments in people’s lives unfold. It is where heartfelt reunions take place daily, but two 90-year-old women, who were once professional baseball players, were in a league of their own at CVG in early September.Mary Moore met her long-term friend, Lois Youngen, at CVG’s Baggage Claim after Youngen flew from Oregon to CVG. The duo was in town to attend the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) annual reunion that was held in Cincinnati this year. Moore was a second basewoman for the League and Youngen was a catcher. Mary Moore (left), Lois Youngen (right)Lois Youngen was 'practicing at CVG'Mary Moore and Lois Youngen had a ball at the airportAAGPBL was the forerunner of women’s professional sports in the United States. It began in 1943 during World War II while many male baseball players were fighting overseas. It provided an opportunity for women to competitively play baseball and build morale across the country.Photo credit: All American Girls Professional Baseball League | (L-R) Lois Youngen, Mary MooreThe League’s first reunion took place in 1982. At that time, more than 300 women from the organization attended. In 2024, less than 10 were able to join. The athletes said because of their age and health conditions, it’s more important than ever to gather in person.“We’re friends, but we belong to one organization and are so close that we all feel like family,” said Moore. “Any time we meet one of our other players, you will always see big smiles, big hugs, and just so much happiness.”Mary Moore and Lois Youngen shared a warm hug when they reunited at CVGAfter Moore and Youngen reunited at CVG, they met up with fellow players. The next day, the group of trailblazers attended a Cincinnati Reds’ game. They walked on the field and Youngen, who had been ‘practicing’ her skills at CVG, caught the first pitch of the game that was thrown by fellow player in the League, Katie Horstman. They were Fort Wayne Daisies teammates; Youngen was the catcher and Horstman was the pitcher.Photo credit: Cincinnati Reds |Katie Horstman throwing the first pitch to YoungenPhoto credit: Cincinnati Reds | (L-R) Mary Moore, Dolly Vanderlip Ozburn, Gloria McCloskey Rogers, Katie Horstman, Jeneane DesCombes Lesko, Lois YoungenThey also participated on a panel at the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. The women discussed their experiences in the League and how it impacted their lives. The queens of baseball meeting in the Queen City, where the sport began, was a home run, and CVG was excited to play a small part in connecting these friends and teammates for a very special reunion.Get to know Mary MoorePhoto credit: All American Girls Professional Baseball LeagueMoore was a star player for the Springfield Sallies. In 1951, the second basewoman from Michigan led the team in games played (77), hits (75), total bases (96), home runs (3), runs scored (65), and RBIs (48) in 1951. She suffered a severe hand injury while working in a factory in the off-season and returned to the League for Battle Creek in 1952 before she then had a career-ending ankle injury. Today, Moore remains active. She’s on a bowling team and enjoys playing golf. [Read Moore’s full player profile](https://aagpbl.org/profiles/mary-moore-sis/161).Get to know Lois YoungenPhoto credit: All American Girls Professional Baseball LeagueYoungen, who is from Westfield Center, Ohio, played for a few different teams in the League but notably played for the Fort Wayne Daisies in 1952 under the management of Hall-of-Famer Jimmie Foxx. He was inspiration for the character of Jimmy Dugan in ‘A League of Their Own.’ In 1954, Youngen finished the year, the last year of the League, with .284 batting average. She earned a Ph.D. in 1971 and retired in 1996 from the University of Oregon as Director of Physical Activity and Recreation. [Read Youngen’s full player profile](https://aagpbl.org/profiles/lois-youngen/468).Learn more - Aug 16, 2024
CVG and Cincinnati regional partners promote development opportunities at Farnborough Airshow
8/16/2024Cassie Kiser / CVG Airport / August 2024Economic growth in the Cincinnati region is fueled by aviation-related economic development. CVG Airport – one of the world’s fastest growing cargo airports – joined its regional partners, REDI Cincinnati, BE NKY, and JobsOhio, on the world stage in participating in the Farnborough Airshow in July 2024. The global event took place just outside of London, England. In addition to promoting how CVG has helped spur tremendous growth for DHL Express and Amazon Air as [North America's sixth-largest cargo airport](https://www.cvgairport.com/business/business-opportunities/air-service/air-cargo/), the Airshow provided valuable opportunities to promote major developments underway at CVG, including [Hangar Row](https://www.cvgairport.com/business/business-opportunities/air-service/air-cargo/hangarrow/) and CVG [Global Logistics Park](https://www.cvgairport.com/business/business-opportunities/air-service/air-cargo/globallogisticspark/). These two projects are key components of the airport’s vision to create a self-sufficient aviation ecosystem.An environmental study is currently underway on the Hangar Row site, and this activity is quickly building the case for investment opportunities. The site covers 350 acres of prime airport real estate, with direct connections to taxiways and CVG’s longest runway. The vision of Hangar Row is to create a one-stop shop for any aircraft maintenance and manufacturing-related needs. “We want our partners to have the opportunity to acquire resources they need without leaving our campus,” said Rich Elwell, director of commercial management, CVG. “Hangar Row will complement the existing business operations at CVG, as well as future business partners.” Global Logistics Park also contributes to CVG’s plan of creating a self-sufficient aviation ecosystem. Freight forwarders and cargo operators will have direct access to aircraft ramps and multiple truck loading docks when this site is built out. In addition, the Park will diversify cargo operations at CVG because its supporting facilities and infrastructure will allow for businesses to ship high-value goods and large parcels that do not have time-sensitive delivery requirements as is often the case with express air cargo and e-commerce logistics fulfillment. “CVG is a critical element of the Cincinnati region, already supporting more than 49,000 direct and indirect jobs and a $9.3 billion annual economic impact,” said Simon Wood, director of air service development, CVG. “We are working quickly to fill Global Logistics Park, which will boost cargo efficiency at CVG.”Hangar Row and Global Logistics Park are new developments underway at CVG. The team that attended Farnborough continues conversations from the Airshow and welcomes the opportunity to connect. To learn more about these opportunities, [click here](https://www.cvgairport.com/business/business-opportunities/air-service/air-cargo/). Photo courtesy of REDI Cincinnati. Pictured from left to right: Kevin Donnelly, REDI; Rich Elwell, CVG; Kimm Lauterbach, REDI; Candace McGraw, CVG; Kimberly Rossetti, BE NKY; Simon Wood, CVGLearn more - Jul 29, 2024
“Where should I go next?” Destination Ideas from CVG for any occasion!
Have you visited St. Thomas yet?A weekend with friends, a family adventure, or a romantic escape off the grid—whatever your reason to get away, let’s help with some new vacation ideas!A Clearwater Beach sunsetFamily Vacation: Tampa / Clearwater / St. Petersburg, FloridaDestin and Orlando have always been solid destinations for families, but if you’re looking for a change of scenery, consider flying to Tampa.Thrills await at Busch Gardens TampaWhat to do:- Find coasters and family fun at [Busch Gardens](https://buschgardens.com/)- Hop on a streetcar and visit [The Florida Aquarium ](https://www.flaquarium.org/)- Take in a Tampa Bay Lighting, Rays, or Buccaneers game - See the animals at [Zoo Tampa](https://zootampa.org/)- Head down to Clearwater Beach and soak up some sun- On a rainy day, visit the [Glazer Children's Museum](https://glazermuseum.org/)The 250,000 square foot Florida Aquarium is perfect on rainy daysHow to get there:Daily non-stop flights to TPA on Frontier and Delta are about two hours long. St. Petersburg-Clearwater airport (PIE) is also an option with daily non-stop flights from Frontier. Many great hikes await in Colorado SpringsOutdoor Enthusiasts: Colorado Springs, ColoradoYou’ll love hiking throughout this area and visiting one of two dozen trails with spectacular views and varying difficulty levels. There are also a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to charming short-term rentals. Since it is around 6,000 feet above sea level, consider staying a day or two at the start of your trip to help acclimate to the elevation before heading up into the mountains.Garden of the Gods National ParkWhat to do:- [Garden of the Gods Park](https://gardenofgods.com/) with miles of trails to explore- [Red Rock Canyon](https://coloradosprings.gov/redrockcanyon) offers more spots to scope out- Join a [four-wheel drive group tour](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g33364-Activities-c61-t211-Colorado_Springs_El_Paso_County_Colorado.html)Let’s head off-road!- Spend a day and check out the outdoor arcade in nearby [Manitou Springs, CO](https://manitousprings.org/)- Visit [Helen Hunt Falls](https://coloradosprings.gov/helenhuntfalls) or [Palmer Park](https://coloradosprings.gov/parks/page/palmer-park)Helen Hunt FallsHow to get there:Go nonstop to Denver (DEN) on one of five daily flights of your choice offered by Southwest, Frontier, Delta, or United. Snag a rental car and make the scenic one-hour drive to Colorado Springs.A time-lapse along the Thames RiverFirst Time across the Atlantic: London, EnglandIf you’ve always wanted to visit Europe but aren’t sure where to begin, London is a great first-time trip. With a nonstop flight from CVG to Heathrow (LHR) via British Airways, getting there is easy; incredible cuisine and historic sights await so it’s an ideal trip.Westminster AbbeyWhat to do:- See hundreds of years of history at [The British Museum](https://www.britishmuseum.org/) (bonus: it’s free!)- Visit [Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament](https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/palace/big-ben/)- Take a guided tour of the [Tower of London](https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/)- Step inside historic [Westminster Abbey](https://www.westminster-abbey.org/)- Relax in [Hyde Park](https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/hyde-park) (the other one)- Stroll through the shops and restaurants of [Covent Garden](https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/london-areas/covent-garden)Covent Garden is spectacular during the holidays.How to get there:Fly nonstop from CVG on British Airways and be in London in under eight hours! There are five flights a week in the summer. There are also one-stop flight options on American, Delta, and United.Amazing views are everywhere in St. ThomasCaribbean without a passport: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin IslandsVisiting the Caribbean is a favorite for Cincinnati-area travelers, especially in the colder months. But for those looking for a last-minute vacation without enough time to get a passport, the U.S. Virgin Islands are an excellent choice. St. Thomas offers amazing beaches, snorkeling, diving, mountain views, and tasty cuisine. The top-rated beaches of Magens BayWhat to do:- Spend some time relaxing on the beach at [Magens Bay](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147406-d149849-Reviews-Magens_Bay-Magens_Bay_St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html)- Get up close with dolphins at [Coral World Ocean Park](https://coralworldvi.com/)- Snorkel at [Coki Point Beach](https://www.vinow.com/stt/stt-b/coki-point/)- Take a boat ride to nearby [St. John](https://www.visitusvi.com/st-john/)- Enjoy breathtaking views on the [Skyride to Paradise Point](https://www.paradisepointvi.com/)- Rent an ATV and explore the IslandAbundant sea life surrounds you while snorkeling in St. Thomas.How to get there:Multiple daily one-stop flight options are available year-round on American, Delta, and United. Consider a trip in January or February for nice weather, fewer crowds, and better deals. This is a popular spring break destination, and prices can jump in April. Also, good deals can be found in the summer, but keep in mind that is the rainy/hurricane season.Hello Savannah!Romantic Getaway: Savannah, GeorgiaAny destination with that special person can be romantic, right? But some destinations are made for a romantic vacation, and Savannah fits the bill. From late-night strolls through historic streets to a short 20-minute trip to Tybee Island for some beach time, Savannah is perfect for a long weekend or week-long stay.The live oaks of Savannah create the perfect shady canopy.What to do:- Utilize one of the hop-on / hop-off trolleys of [Old Town Trolley Tours](https://www.trolleytours.com/savannah) or [Old Savannah Tours](https://oldsavannahtours.com/) and see the city at your own pace- Go on one of the popular [ghost tours](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Products-g60814-t12066-zfg11866-a_contentId.129029782547+14161074705-Savannah_Georgia.html)- Bring your walking shoes and check out the famous [historic district](https://visitsavannah.com/historic-landmark-district)- Visit the [Cathedral of St. John the Baptist](https://savannahcathedral.org/)- See the live oaks at the [Wormsloe Historic Site](https://gastateparks.org/Wormsloe)- Enjoy water views along [Riverfront Plaza](https://visitsavannah.com/profile/john-p-rousakis-riverfront-plaza/6142)Riverfront Plaza is a perfect place to take an evening walk.How to get there:It’s only a one hour and 40 minute flight, and Allegiant offers nonstop service to SAV five times per week. They’re timed nicely; you can leave on a Thursday after work and return home on a Sunday evening. There are also many one-stop flight options on American, Southwest, Delta, and United.The Tybee Island lighthouseNeed some inspiration for your next adventure? Visit the Jay’s [Deals](https://jetwithjay.cvgairport.com/jays-deals/) page to find low fares for any occasion!Have any suggestions for a trip? Find me at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), or [X (formerly Twitter)](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial), and let me know!I’ll see you on a hiking trail in Colorado!-JayLearn more CVG Airport to invest $29 million in runway rehab project
An airport’s runways require routine upkeep similar to the roads and highways we drive on every day. CVG’s airfield is in use nearly 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and frequent use by heavy aircraft requires a robust maintenance program. In summer 2024, CVG is beginning a $29 million rehabilitation project on Runway 18/36C. The project is scheduled to be completed through early December 2024. If you are scheduled to fly out of CVG, don’t worry. Work on this project should not have a significant impact on aircraft operations since CVG has three other runways that aircraft can use. Neighbors living near the airport may experience a temporary change in aircraft activity (increase or decrease) depending on the location.Runway 18/36C is just a bit more than two miles in length at 11,000 feet. When the airport opened in 1947, Runway 18/36 was CVG’s only north/south runway. Over time, CVG has built two parallel runways on either side of 18/36C that are operational.Runways at CVG are generally rehabilitated every eight to 12 years, and a runway is fully reconstructed about every 20 to 30 years (depending on pavement condition). You may remember that CVG rehabilitated its only east/west runway, Runway 9/27, in 2021. Routine maintenance of CVG’s infrastructure ensures the safety of passengers, employees, and aircraft. It keeps the airport operating exceptionally well. As part of this runway rehabilitation project, CVG is completing runway safety area (RSA) grading work, taxiway demolition and relocation, and airfield lighting upgrades.Learn more- May 29, 2024
TSA Q&A: How to Get Through Airport Security Faster
You can plan out many things when you fly: where you’ll park, what to pack, and when you’ll arrive at the airport. But one of the biggest variables in air travel that often adds stress is the security checkpoint line. If you’ve flown recently, you may have noticed that more people are traveling than ever. And you’re correct. In most places, air travel has returned to pre-pandemic levels with some destinations exceeding 2019 passenger numbers. More passengers = more people to screen at the TSA checkpoint.The good news: after visiting a lot of airports around the world (I believe 51 was the last count), I’ve found that CVG generally has some of the [shortest security wait](https://www.cvgairport.com/) times of anywhere. But during peak seasons and on peak days, even the most efficient airports get crowded. It had me wondering if there are some things we can do at the TSA checkpoint to help keep the line moving. So, I reached out to Mark Howell, regional spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).(Left: I always appreciate a short three-minute wait! Right: My wife’s brilliant hack for traveling with our baby.)Jay: What’s your best advice for packing bags?Mark: So, when you’re preparing, when you’re packing for a trip, we recommend that you start with an empty bag. Make sure there is nothing in any of the pockets inside the bag. And then pack from scratch. Make sure that everything you’re putting in there is allowed to go in a carry-on bag or checked bag if you plan to check luggage. Doing that is going to save you time at the security checkpoint and really, I think that’s what everybody wants—to keep those lines moving quickly.So, speaking of the security checkpoint, how early should somebody show up during the busy seasons, such as Labor Day weekend or around Independence Day?During the holidays, we recommend that passengers get to the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time. But if you’re traveling in what we call the “rush hours” of the early morning and late afternoon, you may want to build in a little bit of additional time on top of that, maybe another 1/2 hour early to make sure that you’ve got enough time to get through the process. Remember: when the airport is processing a lot of passengers on those days and in those times, everything can take a bit more time: finding a parking spot, checking in with your airline, and getting through the security screening process.Now, when you’re going through security at the checkpoint and bringing carry-on bag with you, some items have to go in a carry-on and some have to be checked, right?Yes, there are a lot of items that you can’t bring in a carry-on bag but are perfectly OK for checked luggage. If you have questions about specific items, what is and what isn’t allowed, we have some great resources on our website and our MyTSA app. It’s the “Can I Bring My…” tool. You can type in different items, and it’ll tell you whether or not you can take them in a carry-on bag, if they need to go in a checked bag, or if they’re not allowed on an aircraft at all. It’s a great resource.We’re also on social media. If you want to reach out to us on Facebook Messenger or Twitter (X) at @askTSA, we’ll have a representative answer your questions on the specific items you have.Speaking of social media, I love the TSA’s Instagram. I don’t know that most people would say “Oh, I love this government agency's social media!” But there are some hilarious posts, especially on the things that people try to bring through the checkpoint. Are there any weird items that stand out, like a hall of fame of crazy things people try to bring?First off, I’ll give some kudos to our social media team. They’re trying to find that blend of educating passengers while inserting some humor. I think they do a great job with that.I love to say that we see “everything and the kitchen sink.” The reason I say that is that we once had somebody try to bring a copper kitchen sink through a checkpoint. We also had someone try to bring a four-foot electric weedwhacker through a checkpoint. The passenger had brought it to the ticket document checker with a strap on and across his back. The ticket document checker said, “you can’t take that; you’re going to have to go back and check it.” The passenger didn’t want to leave to go check it, so he left it with the officer. It would’ve been fine if they decided to check it and pay for it, but obviously you can’t bring your weedwhacker on board an aircraft.The most common things that we see any time of the year—but really as we go into the holidays—are oversized liquids. Things that are more than 3.4 ounces must be checked. Pocket knives, self-defense items, and things like power tools are what we see a lot of.Are there still rules when it comes to liquids on board?There are. The 3-1-1 rule remains in effect. You may only have liquids of 3.4 ounces or less in a quart-size bag, and each passenger is allowed one. So, it comes out to “3-1-1.” The only exception to this is any medically-necessary liquid. If you have those type of liquids more than 3.4 ounces, you may bring those through the security checkpoint. However, they will be subject to additional screening; those are things like liquid medication, if you need insulin, if you’ve got breast milk, or anything that’s medically necessary of that sort.You mentioned food for babies, but what about food for grown-ups? Can you bring your home-cooked food with you on a flight? Are there certain foods that you can’t bring along in your carry-on bag?The simple rule of thumb for food is that if you can pump, spread, pour, or spray it, and it weighs more than 3.4 ounces, then you need to pack it in your checked luggage.What about bringing along gifts for family and friends?One tip we give passengers as they travel is that if you are traveling with gifts, don’t wrap them before you travel. We say this because if the item alarms, either at the security checkpoint or in checked luggage, we will have to unwrap it to look before we let it go. So, we recommend using gift bags if you’re traveling with gifts; that way we can look at the item and put it back in the bag. Or just wait until you get to your destination to wrap the item.What if I want to bring my pet along for my trip? Is that cool?Absolutely! One of our officers may ask to pet them when you’re coming through the checkpoint, though. Pets are OK for travel, but this varies greatly by airline, so you need to check with your carrier before coming to the airport for the rules of travel with your pets.Live animals should not be placed in the screening equipment in the checkpoint. This has happened a couple times in the last few years, and we’re really trying to remind passengers not to do that.When you come to the security checkpoint, you will be asked to remove your animal from its carrier. You will need to hand carry them through the security checkpoint. Officers will then carry out additional screening before you proceed through the airport for your flight. But please, please, please do not put your animals into X-ray machines.It’s weird that we have to say that, but we have to say that!It was right around Thanksgiving a couple of years ago when we found a cat in a checked bag. It was “Smells, The Cat” from New York. If you do a Google search for “Smells, The Cat,” you’ll find the story.(I did, and [here’s the story](https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/smells-the-cat-tsa-suitcase-thanksgiving-dinner/index.html) of Smells!)When flying to Toronto with my hockey gear, I made sure to arrive early and check Air Canada’s oversized bag and sports equipment policy.When going through the TSA checkpoint, there are times when I have had to take my shoes and belt off but other times when they’ve said, “you can leave your shoes on and go through.” Does this vary by airport or time of year?At CVG, all screening lanes now use advanced Computed Tomography (CT) machines, meaning you no longer need to remove electronics and liquids from your bag at the security checkpoint. With standard X-ray screening, passengers must take out these items, but CT technology allows you to keep everything in your bag.When traveling through an airport that uses CT machines, like CVG, you simply place your entire bag on the conveyor belt without having to unpack it. This aims to make the process quicker and more convenient compared to the standard X-ray machines where electronics and liquids had to be removed.Additionally, if you're a member of TSA’s PreCheck program, you can keep your shoes and light outerwear on during screening, even in airports with standard X-ray machines. There are also exceptions for removing shoes if you are 75 or older or a minor.According to the TSA, about 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes in line.Let’s talk more about that. TSA’s PreCheck program seems like a great way to save time and hassle, especially during busy travel times. How do I sign up for the program?If you or someone you know is a frequent traveler, TSA PreCheck is a wise investment. Once you are approved, it’s valid for five years from the date of enrollment. After acceptance into the program, you can keep your light outerwear, belt, and shoes on when traveling through security checkpoints. Additionally, you can leave your liquids and electronics inside your carry-on baggage. At many airports, including CVG, there is a separate checkpoint lane for TSA PreCheck, which tends to speed up the process since you don’t have to remove those items.If you’re interested in TSA PreCheck, visit https://www.tsa.gov/precheck to start the pre-enrollment process online. The website provides all the information you need for your in-person interview, including what to bring; of note, CVG has an on-site location for PreCheck enrollment interviews.It is important to note that, once you’re a PreCheck member, the Trusted Traveler Number (TTN) you are issued must be entered when you book each trip with an airline, so your ticket will identify you as part of this program. Mark, thank you so much for all these tips as we kick off the summer travel season.Thank you so much for the opportunity to share more about the TSA and the role we all play in keeping our airports and aircraft moving safely and efficiently.A gorgeous morning on a recent trip to Sintra, PortugalDo you have a great time or money-saving travel tip? I’d love to hear about it! You can reach me on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and X ([Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial)) at @JayKruzOfficial. -JayLearn more - Apr 30, 2024
From medical care instructions to maintenance needs, CVG’s telecommunicators respond to it all
One of the critical functions at CVG is the Airport Operations Center (AOC), where a team full of telecommunicators serve as the watchful eyes and ears of the airport. How do they do this? This specialized team is constantly monitoring all aspects related to safety and operations at the airport while fielding emergency and non-emergency phone calls. At times, the team answers as many as 120 calls daily; more than 5,000 calls are fielded per month during peak times. All of this happens while they juggle a multi-channel radio system, monitor alarms, provide security access to perimeter gates, and page over the intercom systems.The team stays busy. CVG welcomed 8.7 million passengers in 2023, a 15% increase over 2022, and there are more than 16,000 badged employees working across the airport campus.“Earlier in the year, I took a 9-1-1 call from an employee who works with an aviation business at CVG. He had just ended his shift and was walking with a coworker. Once they reached their cars and were saying their goodbyes, the coworker started to have a seizure and was bleeding from biting his tongue. The caller stated that he had never had to call 9-1-1 before and he was scared. With the extensive training I had, I was able to calm the caller so that he was able to answer questions and listen to pre-arrival instructions before airport firefighters arrived on scene,” said Madison Rechtin, telecommunicator.Madison, along with her coworkers, are experts in providing over the phone medical directions before help arrives. They are friendly and remain calm with each caller throughout their shifts and know what action to take when a person needs them the most.“I received a call from a worried mom, who was concerned about her daughter, who is visually impaired. The daughter was trying to fly back home, but she missed her first flight, and her phone battery was dying. I looked at the camera and found the daughter. I then asked a public safety assistant (PSA) to check in on her. The PSA helped the daughter make her way to the ticketing counter so she could get her flight rebooked. I called the mom to tell her the good news, and I connected her with the airline for further assistance. Helping the family was rewarding, and we are always happy to lend a helping hand,” said Kaitlyn Howard, telecommunicator.While calls like the one Kaitlyn described are some of the most heartwarming, other calls may surprise you.“I have talked a caller through AED (automated external defibrillator) instructions then my next call was to enter a work order for a loose toilet seat,” said Jennifer Van Fleet, lead telecommunicator.The telecommunicators dispatch maintenance crews for routine services. If an employee or passenger sees a safety hazard at CVG, they are encouraged to call dispatchers at 859-767-7777 to report the issue. The team of dispatchers also verify IDs for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and other agencies, help passengers locate lost items, and even coordinate mutual aid calls for when a surrounding jurisdiction needs help from airport firefighters or airport police.“We do camera and investigative work for police officers and handle multiple radios and numerous phone calls. We also monitor the weather, help travelers with customer service issues, and ensure first responder safety,” responded Sara McLaughlin, telecommunicator.Although their jobs are high-stress and high-stakes, the team remains a very tightknit group, working together in 12-hour shifts and providing 24/7 dispatch coverage for CVG.“Each and every person in the AOC will jump in and help and back up their partners and each other without hesitation. I can say from personal experience that the comradery we have here is not always present at every other dispatch center. What we have here is unique and could be used as an example for other centers to follow,” said Jason Chambers, telecommunicator.If working on CVG’s telecommunicator team might be a career for you, you are encouraged to apply online at [jobs.cvgairport.com](https://www.cvgairport.com/careers/jobs/), or reach out to hrinfo@cvgairport.com for questions. If you are not looking for a job now but are interested in how you can keep others safe, this is how you can contribute.How you can help1. For emergency calls (medical, fire, life safety, accidents, etc.) call 911. Clearly identify your location as CVG Airport and give the specific operational area of the emergency.2. For non-emergency and administrative calls to Airport Operations, call 859-767-7777 and select the appropriate response in the call tree.3. Please be patient and stay on the line. Due to call volume and the task of juggling multiple calls and radio traffic, you may be placed on a brief hold due to emergency priorities.4. Please be prepared for questions during your emergency call. The protocol of questioning is to get you the best resource and care for your emergency needs. As emergency medical dispatches, we are also providing pre-arrival instructions to help until an emergency responder arrives on scene.5. Be patient on the phone or radio with us; the AOC can get busy, and we are often handling multiple calls at one time.Learn more