2024 ICAO Climate Adaptation Synthesis Report

Understanding Climate Risks and Building Aviation Resilience

Climate change is increasingly affecting the global aviation sector — from rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns to more frequent and intense storms. These changes pose growing risks to aviation infrastructure, operations, safety, and business continuity. While the aviation sector currently operates safely and efficiently in a variety of climates, climate change will increase the frequency and extent of weather-related disruption.  Moreover, long-term infrastructure investments will need to take account of changing climatic conditions. Therefore the sector needs to act now to adapt to a rapidly changing climate.

To support a broad range of aviation stakeholders in understanding and responding to these challenges, ICAO has produced the 2024 edition of the Climate Adaptation Synthesis Report, an update to the original 2018 report.

ICAO and its Member States are working to ensure that aviation infrastructure and operations are prepared for the consequences of a changing climate — building a more resilient global air transport system.

What This Report Represents

The 2024 Climate Adaptation Synthesis Report is an updated, comprehensive, and evidence-based resource compiling the latest scientific knowledge, stakeholder insights, and real-world examples of climate impacts and adaptation in aviation. It is designed to support informed decision-making — not as guidance, but as a synthesis of the best available information.

This edition features: •    The latest findings from the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6): Providing scientific context on global climate trends and projections. •    A global stakeholder survey: With 259 responses from all ICAO regions, offering a diverse and representative view of how climate change is affecting aviation worldwide. •    A synthesis of climate impacts and adaptation measures: Summarizing new developments in climate science and aviation adaptation strategies published since 2018. Click on the image to open the Report.

Key Findings at a Glance

• Climate impacts are already being felt: 73% of stakeholders report experiencing climate-related disruptions, including infrastructure damage, operational inefficiencies and impacts for passengers and personnel.
   
• Top concerns: Extreme heat, shifting precipitation patterns, and more intense storms are the most commonly cited challenges, affecting airport cooling requirements, drainage systems, and flight safety and efficiency.
   
• Adaptation efforts remain limited: Only 15% of respondents have both assessed climate risks and begun implementing adaptation plans, highlighting a significant gap in preparedness.
   
• Momentum is growing: The number of stakeholders planning to assess climate risks has nearly doubled since 2017, indicating increased awareness and commitment to action.
   
• Barriers persist: Limited financial and human resources, along with data gaps and uncertainty in climate projections, remain key obstacles to effective adaptation.

Fact Sheets

To support practical action, ICAO has developed a series of fact sheets summarizing key climate effects, impacts, and adaptation strategies. These fact sheets are designed to be used by airport operators, regulators, airlines, and other aviation stakeholders.

Sea Level Rise	Storms	Temperature Change	Precipitation
Changing Icing Conditions	Changing Wind	Desertification	Changes to Biodiversity
Business and Economics	Survey Results	Risk Assessment

Access the 2018 Edition

For reference and continuity, the original 2018 Climate Adaptation Synthesis Report and its fact sheets remain available:

• View the 2018 Climate Adaptation Synthesis Report
• View the 2018 Fact Sheets