What is the primary purpose of an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at an airport?

• A. To coordinate multi-agency response and resource management during major incidents.
• B. To supervise daily flight operations and air traffic control.
• C. To manage catering and retail concessions.
• D. To conduct routine environmental monitoring.

Answer: (A)

An airport Emergency Operations Center is the central hub where responders from multiple agencies come together during major incidents to share information, make decisions, and manage resources in a coordinated way. The aim is to create a unified command and common operating picture so that actions like evacuation, medical care, firefighting, security, and recovery are synchronized. This centralized coordination enables a rapid, effective response that protects lives, safety, and the airport’s ability to continue operations.

Daily flight operations and air traffic control are handled by their own control and operations centers focused on normal operations, not emergencies. Catering and retail are business operations, and routine environmental monitoring runs alongside normal activities—not the primary purpose of an EOC.