Following Channel 9’s report last year on a grievance regarding non-functioning elevators without clear indicators to direct passengers to operational lifts at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the airport has now found a resolution.
Gina Esposito from Channel 9 revealed a fresh communications strategy aimed at speeding up travel for passengers at one of the nation’s most crowded airports.
9 Investigates: Issues with elevators at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Esposito stated that all the elevators were operational on Friday.
Dana Shupe from Cornelius submitted a complaint to the airport in November 2023, stating that she had to ascend four flights of steps with an injured foot since the elevators were not operational.
Esposito connected with Shupe last year following the investigation into elevator closures at the airport.
Thankfully, since I was wearing a boot, I could still move around,” Shupe recounted to Esposito on Friday. “However, I came across a man in a wheelchair who was attempting to enter the parking garage, but there were no signs or anyone nearby to assist us.
Another traveler mentioned to Esposito that inadequate signs were problematic during an elevator shutdown. Additionally, Esposito observed such closures happening several times.
A representative from Charlotte Douglas International Airport stated that they were developing a fresh communication system specifically for handling cases where elevators and escalators are out of service.
This week, the airport stated that the procedure was put into place in March.
In an email, the spokesperson stated that elevators which are out of service are immediately cordoned off and appropriate signs are used as needed to direct passengers towards the closest operational elevator.
Some staff members receive immediate alerts about elevator malfunctions and maintenance updates, aiding in deciding the appropriate communication strategy.
Shupe mentioned that her mobility problems are now resolved, and she is pleased with the transformations. She expressed hope that this narrative will raise further public attention, particularly since Charlotte Douglas keeps expanding.
I believe this issue is extremely significant, but you often fail to recognize it until it affects you personally,” Shupe stated. “However, countless individuals experience these issues, which create avoidable hurdles when everything isn’t functioning correctly.
In November 2024, Esposito revealed that eight elevators at the airport had been taken out of service between 2022 and 2023 due to non-functional emergency telephones.
Charlotte Douglas mentioned it was a short-term problem.
Nevertheless, the North Carolina Department of Labor reported being informed about at least one case where an individual experienced delayed medical attention during an emergency due to a non-functioning phone.
Complete statement issued by airport authorities:
Our Facilities department has verified that the guidelines for handling elevator and escalator failures were implemented back in March. Although there isn’t an official documented strategy, the routine process involves isolating non-functioning units by setting up barriers, and adding signs as needed to direct people toward alternative equipment nearby.
If an outage has recently happened but hasn’t been evaluated yet, these steps are implemented quickly after the preliminary assessment.
“In addition, all applicable CLT employees and badge holders receive real-time elevator outage and repair notifications. These updates allow the Communications team to determine whether broader public-facing messaging is necessary based on the location and impact of the closure.”
VIDEO: Issues with elevators at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Leave a Reply