Phenomenological Study of Airport Staff's Experiences in Managing Increased Air Traffic during Peak Periods
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Abstract
Airports in Southeast Asia are critical nodes in global transportation systems, and managing increased air traffic during peak periods presents significant operational challenges for airport staff. While prior research has largely focused on operational efficiencies and technological solutions, the emotional and psychological experiences of airport personnel remain underexplored. A gap exists in understanding how airport staff cope with the stress and pressures of high-traffic periods, particularly in terms of their emotional responses and coping strategies. This study adopts a qualitative phenomenological design to address this gap, exploring the lived experiences of airport staff in managing air traffic surges. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 12 airport personnel, and thematic analysis revealed that staff experience significant stress but utilize coping mechanisms such as teamwork and personal well-being practices to manage their roles effectively. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the human factors involved in airport operations and provide insights into how emotional resilience and interpersonal support can enhance operational success. These results suggest that future research should further explore the relationship between staff well-being and overall airport efficiency, particularly in the context of rapidly evolving technological environments.
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