Climate Change and its impact on the aviation system

Abstract

This presentation first offers a conceptual definition as well as differentiation of the conditions robustness, resilience and vulnerability within the air traffic management (ATM) framework in order to estimate the impact of disruptions. In a second step focus is laid on extreme weather events such as heavy winds, freezing conditions, heat waves or fog with greatest relevance to the aviation system. Based on causal diagrams their impact on the system´s performance and in consequence the operational reaction patterns are elaborated. Findings lead to a roadmap addressing issues such as approaches on how to increase the resilience and robustness of airports, intermodal aspects (especially the use of high speed trains as alternatives to air transport in case of disruptions) and the assistance of travelers in terms of rearranging their journeys.