International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), has released the 2024 Climate Adaptation Synthesis Report, updating its guidance on how aviation stakeholders can address climate risks. It presents key climate risks to airports, air navigation services, and airlines, especially in vulnerable regions like Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It builds on earlier work such as the 2018 adaptation synthesis and the “Climate Risk Assessment, Adaptation and Resilience” framework, helping States and aviation organizations assess vulnerabilities and plan resilience strategies. The guidance includes fact sheets summarizing climate effects, adaptation options, and tailored tools for airport operators to incorporate risk assessments into infrastructure planning.
Aviation adaptation means preparing infrastructure, operations, and scheduling for projected climate stressors-extreme precipitation, storms, heat stress, and shifting weather patterns. As climate stress escalates, these tools aim to help authorities and operators proactively manage risk rather than respond after disruptions.
For India and other ICAO members, adaptation is no longer optional. Strengthening aviation resilience is critical for safeguarding connectivity, ensuring passenger safety, and reducing economic losses from climate disruptions.
Follow the full report here: 2024 ICAO Climate Adaptation Synthesis Report
