The problem with removing the cats is that more cats (or other animals) will
move into the territory to fill the void - they're not going to be able to
suddenly and permanently clear the area of cats and other wildlife:

"Each year scores of dogs and cats are lost and found on Kennedy's 5,000
acres. Some pets that are being transported may get loose. Also, people who
live locally can easily drive onto airport property and get rid of their
pets, and travelers facing exorbitant kennel costs may opt to simply abandon
their pets before catching their planes. Some animals wander in from
nearby."

That's why TNR (trap, neuter, release) programs are a better choice -
natural attrition will help keep the colony at a manageable size.  I have a
hard time believing that removing the cats would solve the problem - nature
abhors a vacuum, and if you remove the cats other wildlife will take their
place.  There are always going to be rodents and birds around any open tract
of land.  If they're not foraging for food humans leave for the cats they'll
be
foraging for insects and small animals in the normal food chain.

The article also said that the cat colony has been there for years. What
makes them think that now, all of a sudden, there's going to be an accident
if there haven't been any in all that time.  What's suddenly changed?  Has
*anyone* heard of a bird being sucked into a jet engine and causing a crash
in all of aviation history??!

Personally I think it's just another "cause" that somebody decided to take
action on in order to be noticed by higher-ups as having initiative in
problem management.  They're creating an artificial crisis in order to be
seen as a crisis manager.

Hugs,