Hearing Code Red at the terminal typically means there's a confirmed security risk, such as a bomb or terrorist. Airport security and police are almost immediately mobilized to deal with the situation.

A "Red Alert" at an airport is a critical status typically triggered by extreme weather conditions or a major security threat. In terms of weather, a "Ground Red Alert" (most common during the Florida summer or tropical storms) is issued when lightning is detected within a 5-mile radius of the airport. For the safety of the ground crew, all outdoor operations must cease immediately; this means baggage handlers, fuelers, and "wing walkers" must clear the tarmac. While planes can still land and take off (as they are designed to withstand lightning strikes), passengers cannot be deplaned and bags cannot be loaded until the alert is downgraded to "Yellow" or "Green." In a security context, a Red Alert can signal a "Level 3" emergency, such as a bomb threat or a breach of the secure perimeter, which may lead to a full terminal lockdown or an evacuation. For travelers in 2026, a Red Alert almost always signifies significant delays, and it is a reminder that safety—both from the elements and from external threats—is the airport's absolute priority.