Climate change significantly affects airports. Rising temperatures complicate takeoffs, resulting in flight cancellations and financial repercussions.
Notably, Hurricane Irma inflicted $173 million in damages at Sint Maarten airport in 2017, while recent flooding at Dubai’s airport on April 16, 2024, severely disrupted operations and led to the cancelation of all flights.
A survey conducted by the World Economic Forum (WEF) across over 50 airports in Latin America and the Caribbean reveals that nearly all are facing adverse climate impacts, including heightened flooding risks, increased storm frequency, and elevated temperatures.
Research published in Climate Risk Management indicates that major airports are vulnerable to coastal flooding due to rising sea levels. A projected temperature increase of 2°C could potentially place 100 airports below mean sea level. The study highlights that while airports in Europe, Northern America, and Oceania are at risk, the most significant threats are concentrated in Southeast and East Asia.
The United Nations’ “Emissions Gap Report 2024” warns that current policies could lead to a 3°C increase in global temperatures by the end of the century. The WEF has proposed five strategic recommendations to enhance airport resilience against climate change impacts. Recognizing the critical role of airports in trade and connectivity, the WEF emphasizes the need for proactive measures to mitigate disruptions caused by climate change.
To address these challenges, airports worldwide, including those in Dubai, Sofia, and New York, are already fortifying their infrastructure. Key recommendations from the WEF include:
1. Incorporating Resilience in New Designs. For instance, JFK Airport has elevated its new terminal design by approximately one meter to mitigate flooding risks and relocated passenger-facing activities to upper levels to minimize operational disruptions during extreme weather events.
2. Retrofitting Existing Assets. Bulgaria’s Sofia Airport, established in 1937, has undergone significant upgrades, including pavement resurfacing and modern cooling systems capable of withstanding high temperatures.
3. Utilizing Data and Technology. Airports should leverage digital twins and simulation tools to project future scenarios and assess the impacts of extreme events, thereby prioritizing interventions and investments in asset management.
4. Enhancing Response Preparedness. The initial 48 hours following an extreme weather event are critical. Airports must ensure their disruption management teams are equipped to facilitate communication with emergency services, local authorities, and stakeholders for a coordinated regional response.
5. Integrating Resilience into Strategic Planning. Airports must incorporate climate risks—such as temperature increases, flooding, and droughts—into their strategic planning and investment models. They must understand the probability and potential impact of these events to support resilience funding and investments.
As essential logistical hubs, airport infrastructure systems are vital to maintaining the functionality of cities and regions. They serve as lifelines for critical supplies and evacuation efforts during disasters.
With the increasing frequency and intensity of climate change effects, airports must develop comprehensive plans to adapt and mitigate these impacts. The aviation sector must prioritize resilience to ensure efficient operations in an evolving climate.
Sources:
How climate change is reshaping aviation industry? (2024). World Economic Forum. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/videos/climate-change-aviation-industry/
Yesudian, A. & Dawson, R. (2021). Global analysis of sea level rise risk to airports. Climate Risk Management. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212096320300565
Caughey, A. (2024, August 6). 5 steps to build climate resilience into the airports of tomorrow. World Economic Forum. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/08/airports-climate-resilience/
Emissions Gap Report 2024. (2024, October 24). UN Environment Programme. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org/resources/emissions-gap-report-2024
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