vlog archives: Former DSM Airport spokesperson recalls 9/11 attacks
Note: this story was originally published in September 2021.
Saturday marks the somber 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Iowans watched in horror as darkness filled the bright blue sky, but one Iowa airport official watched more closely because that was his job, and he needed to keep Iowans grounded during that difficult time.
Michael Audino remembers sitting in an airport conference room. No one realized it was an attack at first, but as details came out, he says the journey of uncertainty began.
Shortly after, the nation's airspace was shut down. Passengers were stuck in Des Moines and it was his responsibility to update Iowans on the impact.
He says it was frustrating not having answers at first, but he still gave hourly updates with any information he could share. Soon, security increased and new safety measures were introduced. Air travel has never been the same.
"As you reflect over the years, I have to say, dare I frame it as a positive message, Tommie, but where we sit today, it's a reminder we can overcome adversity as individuals and as a nation," Audino said.
Today, Audino lives in Florida, helping address real-world problems in transportation at the University of South Florida.