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Travel is exciting, whether you're jetting off on holiday or heading home after a big adventure. But amongst the thrill of flying, it’s easy to forget the everyday precautions that help make your journey safe—like watching your step on escalators, navigating busy terminals, and being mindful with luggage.
We caught up with Peter Dorn, Brisbane Airport’s Head of Health, Safety & Environment, to chat about airport safety, how to stay safe during your travels, and a few simple tips to make your journey stress-free.
Navigating busy areas safely
We all know that arriving at the airport can be a bit hectic. According to Peter, this is when passengers are most vulnerable. “We call it 'airport brain'—that moment when people are stressed, thinking about how to get through check-in, security, and to their gate, and not operating at full capacity. That’s when we see most incidents happen,” he explains.
The key to staying safe? Slow down. “Take a few moments to relax when you arrive, and if you’re getting dropped off, be mindful of moving traffic. Stay alert until you’re safely on the footpath.”
Watch your step to avoid slips and trips
Slips and trips are some of the most common incidents in airports, but they’re also the easiest to avoid. “The best advice is to take your time, especially in wet weather,” Peter says. “Watch where you’re walking and be aware of other passengers and their bags. We often see people trip over trailing luggage.”
A general safety rule is to follow approved pedestrian pathways especially around carparks and roads. We do see distracted passengers exiting under boom gates between cars and not paying attention near moving vehicles.
Escalator and travellator safety – hold on
Moving walkway safety is another area to pay attention to. “The most common incidents on escalators happen when people first step onto them,” Peter explains. “Make sure your feet are positioned properly on the step, hold onto the handrail, and avoid holding your bag for balance—that’s what the handrail is for. And be mindful of loose items like coats to prevent them from getting caught.”
Safe travel tips:
A word on child safety when travelling
One safety concern that’s on the rise involves kids sitting on upright luggage. “We’ve seen parents pushing kids on luggage or kids climbing on top of bags,” Peter says. “Luggage isn’t designed for sitting or climbing—it’s really easy for a child to fall off and hit their head, especially with uneven surfaces. It’s a serious risk, and one that really does worry me.”
Kid safe travel tips:
Electrical safety – stay charged and safe
With so many of us relying on devices to stay connected, electrical safety is also important. “We all need to charge our devices while travelling, but some charging points get quite a bit of use,” Peter notes. “If you see a damaged port, don’t use it—report it to Brisbane Airport staff. And make sure your own equipment is in good condition. We’ve seen a number of people get electrical shocks from their own devices that already had damage.”
Feeling stressed? Say hi to the therapy dogs
Travel can be stressful, but Brisbane Airport’s therapy dogs are here to help. “Animals have this special ability to know what people need,” Peter says. “I’ve had the privilege of working with the therapy dogs, and it’s amazing to see how they help calm passengers. It’s all about getting that good feeling flowing through the system and helping people feel more at ease.”
Keeping Airport Safety on the agenda: What's Airport Safety Week (every October) all about?
Every October, we participate is Airport Safety Week alongside the Australian Airports Association, and while safety might not sound as exciting as your next getaway, we think it’s just as important. After all, when it comes to pre-check-in, staying grounded is actually a good thing.
Peter explains that Airport Safety Week is a collaborative effort with the Australian Airports Association to shine a spotlight on all things safety-related. “It’s a time for us to immerse ourselves in safety, get people switched on from a safety perspective, and bring the focus back to making sure everyone—passengers, staff, and contractors—feels safe and supported,” he says.
Throughout the week, Brisbane Airport runs incident masterclasses, FOD (Foreign Object Debris) walks with the Executive Leadership Team and wraps up the week with our contractors' safety breakfast, where we come together to celebrate safety and the great work done by our contractor partners to help make Brisbane Airport a safe environment for everyone who works at or visits the airport.
We’re here to help
Peter has one final piece of advice for passengers: “Remember, there’s always help here. Look for our airport ambassadors or Brisbane Airport staff if you need assistance. Our goal is to ensure you leave for your journey or arrive home safely.”
With so much happening at Brisbane Airport over the next year as we undergo a $5 billion transformation, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. “It may not look the same as the last time you were here, so be mindful of your environment,” Peter reminds us.
Before your next trip, take a moment to plan your journey and stay informed. For the latest updates on airport changes and safety measures, visit our Airport Updates page.