Extreme heat stress at Karlsruhe Airport: This is how the workers fight!

Extreme heat stress at Karlsruhe Airport: This is how the workers fight!

The current heat wave is causing major challenges at Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB). With temperatures over 30 degrees, which feels like 45 degrees on the asphalt, the employees in the run-up to the airport are battling the extreme heat. Tobias Leppert, 36 years old and dispatch manager, explains how stressful it is for the workforce during this time. “We have to unload and load luggage quickly in order to process our flights on time,” he reports. Only about 30 minutes are available for the entire process - from boarding and disembarking passengers to refueling the aircraft.

The conditions are by no means easy. There are no shady places on the runway that could offer a little relief. “It is essential to use time responsibly, especially in this heat,” emphasizes Leppert. For his shift work, which begins at 2 p.m., he is responsible for various flights, including connections to Trapani, London and Palma.

Heat as a constant companion

Working in such extreme temperatures not only has physical but also mental effects. Employees must take care of themselves and their health. “Water is essential,” explains Leppert. He consumes three to four liters during a shift - an impressive amount that shows how important hydration is to combat the heat. Sunscreen is also applied several times to protect against harmful UV rays.

While passengers are often thinking about their upcoming vacation, the airport employees are busy. However, their hard work is appreciated and many travelers show gratitude for the efforts made to make their trip as smooth as possible. “It’s good to know that we can play a part in helping people enjoy their vacation,” continued Leppert.

A look at the importance of heat

Heat is a feeling that many people often find unpleasant. It is felt not only physically but also psychologically, which makes working under such extreme conditions all the more challenging. According to the definition from WordHippo, heat is often described as the feeling of intense warmth, which makes working outside, like at the airport, even more stressful. Further information on the effects can also be found at dict.leo.org, which shows how heat can influence well-being.

These days, it's not just the travelers but also the airport employees who are working hard. The challenges caused by the extreme heat are a constant companion and make the valuable work at the airport all the more remarkable.