Country – France
Objective and approach to vulnerability analysis of two airports
The study is structured around two main stages, designed to provide a clear and comprehensive view of the impacts of climate change on airport infrastructure and operations. The first aims to produce climate indicators to assess the exposure of sites to climate change. The second involves a detailed analysis of the vulnerability of airport infrastructures and operations.
This approach, carried out for Vinci, combines accurate climate data with an in-depth vulnerability analysis to identify the main risks to which airports are exposed. Based on this information, tailor-made adaptation strategies are developed, aimed at strengthening infrastructure resilience, optimizing operational procedures and guaranteeing service continuity in a context of climate change. These results provide airport managers with essential tools for anticipating future challenges and making informed investment and strategic planning decisions.
Phase 1: Climate exposure indicators
The first phase of this vulnerability analysis consists in analyzing current and future climate data for the two sites studied. Based on high-resolution climate models, projections include parameters such as temperature extremes, precipitation variations and wind intensity. These indicators make it possible to identify phenomena likely to impact airport infrastructures and operations, while taking into account the geographical and environmental specificities of each site.
Analysis of future trends will enable us to identify the main medium-term climatic challenges. For example, increasing episodes of intense heat could affect runway surfaces and reduce their performance, while more frequent precipitation could increase the risk of runway and terminal access flooding.
Phase 2: Vulnerability analysis
The second phase assesses the specific risks faced by airports by cross-referencing exposure indicators with vulnerability criteria specific to infrastructure and operations. This in-depth analysis provides a better understanding of the interactions between climatic hazards and the airport’s various components and sub-components.
The assessment includes the resistance of runways, buildings and equipment to extreme weather conditions, as well as the potential impact on day-to-day operations, such as flight disruptions or operating costs. In addition, factors such as the availability of natural resources (water, energy) and the need to adapt logistical systems are taken into account for a global view of the issues at stake.
Example of a vulnerability analysis :
Airport vulnerability matrix to 2062: Understanding the impact of climate hazards
The vulnerability matrix presented in this diagram enables us to analyze the impact of climate change on airport infrastructures up to 2062, based on the RCP 8.5 climate scenario. This represents a trajectory of high greenhouse gas emissions, leading to significant climate change. The aim of this matrix is to assess the resilience of an airport’s key components, such as buildings, networks and infrastructure systems, to different climate hazards.
Analysis by climatic contingency
he first axis of the matrix refers to climatic hazards, which are divided into two main categories: trend hazards and extreme hazards.. Les aléas tendanciels se caractérisent par des phénomènes climatiques à évolution lente, tels que l’augmentation progressive des températures moyennes ou des changements dans les régimes de précipitations. Ces changements, bien qu’importants sur le long terme, génèrent généralement des impacts limités sur les infrastructures. En revanche, les aléas extrêmes, comme les vagues de chaleur, les tempêtes ou les inondations, ont un caractère ponctuel et intense, pouvant provoquer des dégâts majeurs sur les structures et systèmes critiques.
Infrastructure vulnerability assessment
The second axis of the matrix concerns airport infrastructure components. These are divided into materials (superstructure, infrastructure, envelope) and networks (plumbing and sanitation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), electricity and telecommunications networks). These components are analyzed to determine their level of vulnerability to various climatic hazards. This vulnerability is classified according to a color code ranging from pale yellow (no vulnerability) to red (high vulnerability).
The results of this analysis show that trend hazards, although potentially significant in the long term, entail little or no vulnerability for the components studied. On the other hand, extreme hazards, such as heat waves and storms, generate high risks for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as for electrical and telecommunications networks. These infrastructures are particularly sensitive to extreme climatic events, requiring special attention and adaptation measures to ensure their resilience.
Conclusion: Prioritizing the adaptation of airport infrastructures
This vulnerability matrix provides an essential analysis for airport infrastructure managers, enabling them to identify the areas most sensitive to future climate hazards. While the effects of trend hazards can be considered manageable, extreme hazards require urgent adaptation action, particularly for airport systems. heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electricityto minimize negative impacts on airport operations. Based on this analysis, the relevant authorities will be able to better plan and anticipate the investments needed to preserve the integrity of infrastructures in the face of climate change.
What are the recommendations?
The results of this analysis will provide essential tools for designing adaptation strategies specific to the airports studied. These strategies will include concrete actions such as reinforcing critical infrastructure (runways, terminals, hangars) to better withstand extreme weather events, and optimizing water management systems to prevent flooding.
They will also incorporate the adjustment of operational protocols to limit disruptions linked to climatic events, for example through contingency plans, reinforced maintenance or the use of advanced technologies to anticipate and manage impacts in real time.
The aim is to reduce risks and costs in the medium term, while ensuring optimal, sustainable airport operations. This proactive approach enhances safety, limits service interruptions and effectively prepares infrastructures for future climate challenges.
A proactive strategy in the face of climate change
By identifying the main climate risks and proposing concrete measures, this vulnerability analysis helps airport managers anticipate future challenges. It is part of a proactive approach to strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructures to climate change, while minimizing the costs associated with disruptions.
This initiative, integrated with our climate change data services, offers tailor-made expertise to help decision-makers make the transition to sustainable and resilient climate risk management.