Safety is the Focus for Naples Airport Authority

by Chris Rozansky, Executive Director,
Naples Airport Authority

When passengers book air travel, their top concerns are typically departure and arrival times, ease of airport navigation, availability of rental cars and anticipation of greeting friends and family shortly after arrival. At the Naples Airport, safety is our top priority so you can enjoy all that Naples has to offer. In fact, it is the foundation of all operational and budgetary decisions. In 2021, Naples Airport voluntarily implemented a Safety Management System (SMS).

SMS is a formal, top-down, system-wide approach to managing safety risk. Unlike many traditional safety programs that focus on meeting basic standards, SMS is proactive, process-driven and data-inspired. Two years later, more than 200 U.S. airports were mandated by the FAA to implement SMS, including Naples.

In 2025, Naples Aviation, the sole provider of fuel operated by the Naples Airport, achieved one of the highest safety milestones in the aviation industry: International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) Stage 2 certification from the International Business Aviation Council. This certification affirms that Naples Airport Authority has a mature Safety Management System, documented standard operating procedures, a robust training program, and top-notch facilities and equipment.

The IS-BAH certification was just the latest undertaking aimed at keeping the traveling public and community safe. Below are additional examples demonstrating Naples Airport’s commitment to safety:
On-site fire station: NAA recently built a new on-airport fire station to withstand hurricanes and flooding. It’s equipped to respond to both on- and off-airport emergencies. The NAA partners with the City of Naples Fire Department to staff the facility 24/7 at no expense to taxpayers.

Wildlife management: Naples Airport received the Florida Airports Council’s J. Bryan Cooper Environmental Award for its comprehensive wildlife management program, including a falconry service. Through a partnership with Predator Bird Services, falconers and biologists regularly visit the airfield with trained hawks to scare birds off the airfield and out of the path of arriving and departing aircraft.

Runway safety: Last year, NAA completed several projects intended to enhance runway safety, such as installation of runway warning lights, perimeter service roads to remove vehicles from having to cross active runways and relocating a taxiway to reduce risk of a pilot inadvertently entering a runway.

Airfield lighting: Beginning in 2026, the NAA will replace the airfield lighting as a result of damage sustained during Hurricane Ian. The new lighting and equipment will be a water-resistant system raised further above ground level, ensuring it can stand up to future storm events due to the critical nature of the airport following a hurricane. The NAA worked closely with the FAA during design, which will result in a new national standard for coastal airports subject to storm surge, helping airports across the US to become more resilient.

Emergency response: The airport also is home to the Collier County Sheriff ’s Office, Naples Fire-Rescue Department, U.S. Customs and Border Control, Collier County MedFlight and other organizations that provide public services.

To ensure we are prepared to respond to an incident, in October 2025 Naples Airport hosted Operation Final Approach, an FAA-required full-scale emergency training exercise that allowed first responders, local agencies and airport personnel to prepare for a real-world emergency.

Participating agencies included local fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, hospitals, emergency management and transportation services.

Safety isn’t just a priority at Naples Airport; it’s the foundation of everything we do. From advanced certifications and proactive programs to partnerships with first responders and continuous infrastructure improvements, every decision is made with your well-being in mind. Rest assured: when you travel through Naples, you can focus on your journey, knowing we’re focused on keeping you safe.

Want to learn more about the Naples Airport?
Check out our FAQ’s at www.flynaples.com/faq For a tour of the airport, or to arrange for a speaker at your group’s next meeting, call (239) 643-0733

For more information, visit the Naples Airport Authority’s website at www.flynaples.com Want to learn more about the NAA? Visit the FAQ page of our website (flynaples.com/faq), or invite a member of our team to speak with your group.