Adapting coastal airports to climate change challenges

Rising sea levels and changes in the frequency and intensity of storms can have physical, operational and business implications for coastal airports worldwide. Employing appropriate risk reduction measures is essential, and airports demonstrating higher adaptive capacity are generally expected to be better equipped to respond and recover quickly after a disruptive event. While a growing body of research investigates the impact of rising sea levels on coastal infrastructure systems, limited studies discuss how coastal airports can measure their adaptive performance considering the main climate extremes occurring in the coastal zone. This study presents an approach to measure coastal airports' adaptability to hazards such as rising sea levels, extreme precipitation, and storminess. The developed framework uses indicators identified in adaptation and risk assessment literature to reflect prevention, response and institutional actions to reduce climate risk. By examining the key challenges coastal airports face and best-applied practices to respond, this contribution provides insights into the drivers for action, the efficiency of existing practices to address climate challenges and qualities that coastal airports need to demonstrate to strengthen their capacity and shift towards a more informed risk management culture.