Satellite Service Keeps Airports Online During Outages

 In the fast-paced aviation industry, even a brief network outage can disrupt operations and passenger flow. To address this, SITA – the air transport industry’s IT provider – has launched SITA Managed Satellites, a reliable, secure communication service that keeps airports and airlines online: even during blackouts, disasters, or in remote locations.

Available in over 130 countries, this fully managed service leverages low earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity. It serves as a primary, backup, or emergency network, ensuring airports maintain operations when traditional fiber or terrestrial networks fail.

Why Airports Need Satellite Connectivity

Recent global disruptions – such as extreme weather, fiber cuts, and congestion – have exposed the fragility of conventional networks.

SITA Managed Satellites provides a resilient alternative, supporting:

• Critical airport systems during outages

• Remote locations (maintenance hangars, cargo hubs)

• Temporary operations (new routes, seasonal demand, emergencies)

Martin Smillie, SVP of Communications and Data Exchange at SITA, stated: “With advanced satellite technology, airports can now ensure continuous operations, even in crises. Our solution offers high-speed connectivity, cost efficiency, and adaptability for aviation and other transport sectors.”

As digital reliance grows in aviation, SITA Managed Satellites provides the resilience needed to keep critical systems running—no matter the circumstances.