More air traffic will be coming to Eindhoven Airport. Rhiannon Goedegebuur, Airport Operations Officer, is ready. She is the eyes and ears in the terminal and on the tarmac. “Our team monitors all kinds of situations, for example whether the gates and security aren't too crowded and that the processes are running smoothly. If it gets too busy, we intervene.” Even if a baggage conveyor belt stops or a passenger or staff member becomes unwell, Rhiannon contacts the right people to get the situation back under control as quickly as possible. She's also the first point of contact for the partner companies at the airport and plays a key role in safeguarding security.

The Marechaussee (Dutch Border Police) are swiftly called in when unattended luggage is found and she keeps a close eye on whether the safety rules are observed in the terminal and on the apron. Rhiannon feels like part of the family in her job at the airport. The variety in her tasks and the hectic nature of the work give her a real kick. “No two days are the same at Eindhoven Airport.” She enjoys working intensively as one team during disruptions, for instance due to fog or thunderstorms. “Then it's all hands on deck to make sure that passengers, airlines, the handling agent and security are properly informed, so that everyone knows what to do and everything starts running smoothly again.”

Rhiannon goes for the smile. “I like solving problems.” On one occasion, she used camera images to locate a bag containing cuddly toys that a child had left behind in the terminal. “I got the suitcase to the family just in time for boarding. You should have seen the smile on the faces of the parents and young owner. Absolutely priceless. It's those small moments that bring the greatest joy.”