From: "DeCarlo, Jeffrey (DOT)" <jeffrey.decarlo@state.ma.us>
Date: April 2, 2020 at 8:25:05 AM EDT
Subject: Airports: COVID-19 Information

Hello All,

I hope you and yours are well.

The Aeronautics Division is well aware that these are trying times for airports throughout the Commonwealth.  We are also well aware that COVID-19 and its effect on travel throughout the country is unprecedented and, hence, there is no road map in place on how Massachusetts’ airports should addressed the many demands being place upon them by the state, as well as the travelling public during this emergency.  There is, however, information recently issued by FAA that you should be aware of, along with clarification provided by the Aeronautics Division that you may find helpful and is provided below.

 Self-Quarantine

All travelers, which includes those travelling by air, arriving to Massachusetts are instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days.  To follow this guidance, we advise airports to display the attached poster in a place that is obvious to incoming passengers, and verbally advise incoming passengers of such quarantine as safety allows.   

 Closing or Restricting Use of the Airport for Non-aeronautical Purposes

The FAA has issued guidance for handling proposals to close or restrict airports for non-aeronautical purposes without FAA approval (see attached Compliance Guidance Letter).  The Aeronautics Division interprets this guidance to mean:

 Cannot close the airport or any structure necessary to the operation of the airport all the while doing everything necessary to ensure the safety of those using the airport in light of state/federal governmental directives in connection COVID-19.

 Contingency Plan

We are asking that airports consider developing a “contingency plan” should the operation of the airport become affected due to staffing issues.  The focus of the exercise is how can continuity of operation still be accomplished.  Such examples could include self-fueling, alternate airport contacts through police dispatch, and use of signs and NOTMAS communicating information to pilots.

 Recent FAA Advisories

FAA has recently issued the following advisories (and they are attached);

1.  Compliance Guidance Letter (Dated 3/16/20);    

2.  Information for Airport Sponsors Considering COVID-19 Restrictions or Accommodations (Dated 3/28/20);

3.  Considerations for State, Local, and Territorial COVID-19 Restrictions That Impact Air Transportation (Dated 3/28/20); and

4.  FAA National Part 139 Cert Alert (Dated 3/24/20 updated) re: parking overflow aircraft.

These advisories are self-explanatory, and the Aeronautics Division agrees with and defers to FAA on the information/directives contained therein.  We are, however, available for questions and will respond within that context.