In airport operations, there are moments when a process that has been running flawlessly can suddenly falter at the most critical point due to a very simple mistake. Sometimes the smallest errors can cause the biggest trouble. In those moments, success depends on making the right decision quickly, and that comes from the path your experience has led you down.
Have you ever thought during your career, “Today could be the last day of my career”? That was exactly what crossed my mind that day…
While I was working at Skopje Airport in North Macedonia, we received the news that the President of Türkiye, Mr. Erdoğan, would be paying an official visit to Macedonia. We immediately started preparations. In such official visits, dozens of institutions and people get involved, and everything becomes increasingly complex. That’s why it’s so important to stay focused, stay organized, and keep communication strong.
At Skopje Airport, we were responsible for the ground handling operations, and that day, we were to provide all ramp services to the President’s aircraft. But there was one big problem: the President was arriving on an A340 aircraft. This type of massive aircraft landed at Skopje Airport, maybe once in 40 years! Emergency equipment was available, but there were only two passenger stairs.
Preparations were completed, and on a very cold evening, the aircraft landed smoothly. As soon as it reached the parking position and the engines were shut down, we prepared for the stairs to be brought in place.
But the stairs were moving too slowly. Our biggest issue was that the stairs couldn’t reach the height of the aircraft doors! Even after 10 minutes since the engine shut down, we still hadn’t been able to position the stairs. The delegation waiting on the apron looked on with anxious faces, trying to understand what was happening. Luckily, the passengers inside, including the President, were still waiting for him to be ready, so they didn’t notice the situation.
At that moment, as cold sweat ran down my face, all I could think was:
“I think today is the last day of my career!”
But right then, our CEO, Sani Şener, stood by me, offering both support and encouragement. After 15 long minutes, the stairs were finally aligned with the aircraft doors, and the passengers began to disembark. Those were some of the toughest 15 minutes of my life.
In difficult moments, having someone who supports you, stands by you, and lifts your spirits gives you incredible strength to carry on instead of losing hope. And when that person is your top executive, it carries even deeper meaning.
Wishing that the right people always cross your path in your career…
Note: The root cause of this problem was that the stairs had been washed without considering the risk of freezing in cold weather, and that’s exactly what caused the issue!