A highway closure affects many travelers to the airport, but one lost driver got help from an airport worker who knew his way around.

After flying for more than five hours into PHX, a couple was waiting for a friend to pick them up. Unfortunately, Interstate 10 near the airport was closed, and he got lost on his way to get his friends and was going around in circles.

The couple got the attention of Israel L., an operations assistant with the Phoenix Aviation Department, who was monitoring traffic outside their terminal. They explained the problem to Israel and he immediately took over giving directions to their friend, taking as much time as necessary to get him to the airport, advising him on what roads to take and even what lanes to drive in. Israel then stood out next to the road to guide him to the couple.

“Please note Israel never stopped doing his other responsibilities, which makes him all the more special,” the couple said in nominating him for recognition. They wanted to make sure we knew how awesome Israel is, so he was recognized for his outstanding work by our Customer Service On the FLY team (F = Friendly. L = Let me help. Y = You.)

Do you have a story about a Sky Harbor employee and a random act of awesome? Send details to us at skyharbor@phoenix.gov so we can recognize him or her.