Adapting Aviation to Climate Change: Global and Regional Perspectives

The global aviation sector faces escalating operational, infrastructure, and financial risks from climate change effects such as higher average and extreme temperatures, sea level rise, and stronger storms. Given the sector’s critical role in both the global economy and social connectivity it is imperative to understand these risks and take effective and timely action to adapt and build resilience. Yet, despite increasing recognition of potential impacts, adaptation action is lagging, a clear exposure-adaptation gap. This thesis investigates the reasons for this gap, the barriers preventing engagement and how adaptation can be promoted and accelerated. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining empirical analysis, a systematic literature review, stakeholder elicitation and policy evaluation. The research first synthesised industry then academic knowledge to establish a comprehensive understanding of climate impacts and adaptation measures, identifying significant thematic and geographical research gaps. Two case studies then provided contrasting regional perspectives, with one focused on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), a high-risk, low-information region, and the other on the United Kingdom, where a regulatory mandate for adaptation reporting is established. The LAC study highlighted a clear exposure–adaptation gap, identifying barriers such as limited data, resources, and regulatory support. Conversely, the UK study demonstrated the ability of mandates to drive adaptation action, although increasing consistency of reporting and broader airport engagement remain areas for enhancement. The findings demonstrate the need to deepen understanding of impacts, expand research in high-risk regions, and increase capacity-building initiatives. A clear outline is presented for supporting and accelerating adaptation in the sector through a consolidated set of recommendations to (1) expand research and investigation of climate impacts; (2) accelerate work on climate risk assessment and adaptation action (3) enhance provision of data, guidance and support; (4) Strengthen collaboration and communication across the sector.