Airports were emptied pre-emptively in anticipation of Sandy. Image: morlinghaus

Although Superstorm Sandy caused over 18,000 flight cancellations across the United States, airlines have been praised for handling the disaster with common sense and improved management tactics.

Airports across the north-east of the United States were empty following the trail of destruction left by Superstorm Sandy, with those destined to fly warned well ahead of time about cancellations the Associated Press reported.

Airline staff were informed not to come into work, while airport closures discouraged the public from sleeping at the airport.

Airlines also moved aircraft to unaffected airports, saving on damage costs and allowing for a quicker transition back to regular operations.

“The last few major storms created such gridlock, and such bad will with their best customers, they just had to shift their behaviour,” Flyers Rights founder Kate Hanni said.

“The flying public would rather have their flights pre-cancelled than be sleeping in Chicago on a cot.”

The decision to cancel so many flights and shut-down operations was an arduous and intricate task which seems to have payed dividends for airlines, airports and customers alike.

Airlines “were able to put the planes and the passengers out of harm’s way and ensure that people could stay home and not at the airport,” Airlines for America lobbying group spokesperson Victoria Day said.