Large Transport
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Confusion; Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown; Workload
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft; Company Policy; Procedure; Human Factors
We diverted to SDF due to a power outage in our destination airport. I knew we were going to be on the ground for a while; so I wanted to let the Passengers deplane. Our Agent was busy with other diversions; so I tried to open the door myself. I was unable; as the door requires a special badge to open. I approached a Supervisor on the ramp. He said there was only person in the Station who can open that door! Finally; after 20 minutes; the one person who can open the door; came back to open it.   I feel this is a safety hazard. What if we had to evacuate the Passengers at the gate? The door should be able to be opened in an emergency. Change the rules at SDF airport for opening the jetway door.
An air carrier aircraft diverted to SDF because the filed destination was closed. During the extensive ground delay the Captain attempted to access the terminal and was told only one person could open the jetway. The Captain questioned the safety implications of no passenger access in the event of an aircraft emergency.