A MD88 First Officer reported that the left engine hydraulic pump failed in flight. An emergency was declared and the flight diverted to a nearby airport with a long runway and better handling facilities.

Narrative

On the arrival; we received a Left Hydraulic Pressure Low message on the overhead annunciator panel. We noticed our hydraulic quantities were; both systems; indicating 12 quarts which is the normal system operating quantity. The system pressure on the left side had dropped to '0' while the right side indicated a normal indication of 3000 PSI. The QRH was referenced and abnormal checklists completed upon determining our left engine hydraulic pump had failed. An emergency was declared with Approach after considering all available runway lengths; winds and known arrival factors (i.e. system failures - inboard spoilers; left thrust reverser; and autoland/autobrakes) our destination was changed to an airport with a longer runway. We decided as a crew that the nearby international airport would be a more suitable field for this type of emergency situation (Maintenance; passenger support; ground ops; Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting capabilities and distance from our present position.) All checklists were completed; Dispatch and Maintenance were notified and coordinated our diversion; Flight Attendants and passengers were briefed and a normal descent and landing occurred. Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting was consulted upon landing. The aircraft was fit to taxi to the gate and we were cleared to continue to the gate. We were met by ground support staff and passengers were accommodated - in my opinion the Captain and I did a textbook job of handling an abnormal situation and was supported by excellent ATC; Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting and ground handling personnel.