JFK Airport operations center

NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - A unified operations center will now serve as the command central during any kind of emergency at John F. Kennedy Airport. Officials say having airline representatives, law enforcement, and other key personnel all under one roof makes for easier crisis management.

The command center is one of more than 50 recommendations from an independent team headed by former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood

After JFK's disastrous handling of a winter storm in January. Flight cancellations and delays created a nightmare scenario that lasted several days. Hundreds of passengers were stranded and the number of lost baggage claims was even higher.

Other recommendations include a 24-hour baggage claim worker from every airline at JFK, faster decision making on flight cancellations during inclement weather, and a better way to relay such information to travelers.

Port Authority officials acknowledged that LAX and Denver do a better job handling emergencies and said they will fast move in a direction long overdue.