Have you ever stopped to think about what happens behind the scenes at an airport? The hustle and bustle, the intricate coordination, and the countless stories that unfold every day. Well, comedian Susie Youssef certainly hadn’t until she found herself narrating a docuseries that takes viewers inside Melbourne Airport in Australia.
As Susie commutes between Melbourne and Sydney for her show, she admits,
“When we’re in the air, I get emotional each time… If I did die today, I would deserve it. I’m defying the laws of physics.”
It’s a sentiment many travelers can relate to—the mix of awe and anxiety as they soar through the sky.
But for those working on the ground at Melbourne Airport, like air traffic controller Melissa Lindsay, it’s all in a day’s work. Melissa shares insight into her high-pressure job:
“You switch into ‘I’m working now and nothing else really matters.’ It’s a real trait of an air traffic controller. You just lock in.”
With only 2% of the population possessing the skills required for her role, Melissa navigates planes with precision and focus.
In this docuseries produced by ITV Studios Australia, aptly titled “Airport 24/7,
” viewers are introduced to a myriad of airport personnel—from customer service agents to baggage handlers, security teams to customs officers—all facing challenges big and small. Imagine dealing with a power outage one moment and chasing escaped kangaroos across the tarmac the next!
One captivating aspect highlighted is decision-making under pressure. Melissa reflects on how “
decision fatigue
” can set in due to constantly performing at a high standard. She notes that every choice made impacts passengers directly: “
Every decision we make impacts them.
”
Despite potential occupational hazards like decision fatigue or lack of patience stemming from their high-stakes environment, these airport workers maintain professionalism amidst chaos. Melissa describes how bad customer service infuriates her because she holds herself—and others—to such high standards: “
Every decision we make impacts them.”
The series not only shines a spotlight on these unsung heroes but also offers comfort to nervous flyers like Susie Youssef who find solace in understanding the meticulous calculations and risk assessments done behind-the-scenes: “If you don’t think about it,” Susie muses,” you take it all for granted.”
As viewers tune into “Airport 24/7,” they witness firsthand how close these dedicated professionals come to potentially catastrophic events daily but manage to navigate them skillfully back from the edge each time. So next time you’re waiting at an airport gate or gazing out of an airplane window mid-flight, remember—it’s more than just travel; it’s a symphony of coordinated efforts keeping us safe above and below.
