EUROCONTROL and ACI EUROPE have jointly released the comprehensive guide titled “Adapting European Aviation to a Changing Climate: Risk Assessment and Adaptation Guide”, which aims to help the European aviation sector become more resilient to the growing impacts of climate change.
The new guide is designed to support airports, airlines, and air navigation service providers (ANSPs) in developing long-term adaptation strategies against climate-driven threats such as extreme weather events, rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and infrastructure risks. The publication complements the sector’s existing sustainability efforts in line with the DESTINATION 2050 roadmap and Net Zero commitments.
“Europe Can No Longer Delay Adaptation”
EUROCONTROL Director General Raúl Medina emphasised that Europe is one of the fastest-warming regions in the world, noting that climate adaptation has become an “operational and strategic necessity.”
Medina said:
“We are working to strengthen the infrastructure and operational resilience of our stakeholders. This guide will help the sector anticipate and manage climate risks through science-based solutions.”
ACI EUROPE Director General Olivier J. Ankovec underlined that climate action is no longer a negotiable topic:
“Alongside reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it is essential that infrastructure adapts to a rapidly changing climate. This guide is critical to enhancing the resilience of our aviation system and preserving Europe’s competitiveness.”
Highlights of the Guide
The new climate adaptation framework covers actionable steps and strategic priorities for airports, ANSPs, and airlines.
1. Infrastructure Adaptation
Reinforcement of runways and taxiways
Increasing cooling and drainage capacity
Nature-based solutions against flooding, heat stress, and soil instability
2. Operational Resilience
Updating flight planning to address extreme heat, wind variability, and storms
Improved turbulence forecasting
Strengthening emergency preparedness
3. Resource Management
Efficient technologies to address water scarcity and fluctuating energy demand
Expansion of sustainable operational practices
4. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Integration
Protection of natural climate-regulating ecosystems
Management of wildlife risks
5. Collaborative Planning
Stronger coordination between airports, airlines, ANSPs, and external stakeholders
Ensuring continuity of critical services
A New Step in Joint Action for European Aviation
The guide was prepared by the European Climate Change Adaptation Task Force, established in 2022 by EUROCONTROL and ACI EUROPE, and includes 37 partner organisations. It follows the “2023 Winter Adverse Weather Preparedness Report” and the “Changing Weather Conditions Adaptation Briefing” published in November 2024.
The new publication is regarded as a reference document guiding long-term climate resilience strategies for the future of the sector.
