airlift

3 definitions • 5 examples

an operation organized to move supplies or people by aircraft to or from a place that is difficult to reach because of war, a flood, etc.:

The photograph shows injured Americans awaiting an airlift.

Rain would hamper airlifts and possibly spark more deadly landslides.

to move supplies or people by aircraft to or from a place that is difficult to reach because of a war, flood, etc.:

There are plans to airlift food and medical supplies to the area.

Over 10,000 refugees were airlifted out of the region.

an operation organized to move supplies or people by aircraft to or from a place, esp. in a difficult or dangerous situation:

Officials are planning an airlift of animal feed to the area hit by early winter snowfalls.