 
Author: Marco Troncone, CEO, Aeroporti di Roma
Airports are increasingly exposed to the effects of climate change, which pose significant risks to their operations, safety, economic sustainability and long-term resilience. Yet, within these challenges also lie opportunities. Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) is committed to positioning itself at the forefront of climate-related initiatives in the airport sector, aiming not only to manage risks but also to seize emerging opportunities.
As complex infrastructures, airports consist of numerous interrelated systems, each with varying degrees of exposure and sensitivity to climate hazards. Many major airports, including those managed by ADR, have been expanded over decades, and the age of certain infrastructure elements can impact their ability to withstand extreme weather events or long-term climate shifts. ADR fully recognises that climate change entails multi-dimensional risks with clear economic consequences. These include potential higher operating costs, potential declines in revenues, and reduced ability to attract investment or access capital markets.
Moreover, the anticipated intensification of climate impacts may require additional insurance coverage for critical assets and significant investments to upgrade or rebuild vulnerable infrastructure. All these economic risks are deeply linked to a company’s reputation – an essential factor in maintaining stakeholder trust and ensuring long-term financial viability. At the same time, ADR believes that climate change can generate new avenues for business development through innovation and sustainable solutions in airport operations.
Navigating climate risk
In response to these challenges, ADR has developed a comprehensive climate change risk analysis methodology, which not only aligns with international best practices such as ICAO guidelines and ISO 14091, but in many areas exceeds them. This methodology categorises climate risks into two broad types: physical risks – those directly related to climate impacts such as storms, floods, heatwaves and sea level rise – and transition risks, which arise from the global shift towards a low-carbon economy. ADR’s primary focus, for now, is on the physical risks.
ADR believes that climate change can generate new avenues for business development through innovation and sustainable solutions
The analysis process begins with a thorough screening of relevant climate hazards, using the classifications defined in the EU taxonomy. This is followed by the identification of critical airport assets – such as runways, taxiways, aprons and drainage systems – and an evaluation of their exposure, sensitivity and capacity to adapt. A dynamic risk modelling phase then assesses how these assets might be affected under different climate scenarios and time horizons, taking into account the possible implementation of mitigation measures.
This detailed and data-driven approach has enabled ADR to identify areas of possible future vulnerability, particularly under the SSP2-4.5 scenario – a ‘middle of the road’ projection in which the global average temperature could rise by around 2.7°C by the end of the century. Based on this analysis, ADR has built a robust foundation for planning and decision-making.
Building a climate adaptation plan
The results of the climate change risk analysis have guided the development of ADR’s climate adaptation plan – a strategic and forward-looking framework designed to address future challenges. The plan outlines a series of targeted measures to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience across all areas of airport infrastructure. These interventions are aligned with broader environmental objectives and are designed to integrate where possible with emission reduction efforts.
In particular, the climate adaptation plan has produced a list of measures defined for the mitigation of the main physical risks related to climate change for Fiumicino and Ciampino airport. The list of measures can be summarised in the following categories: measures to integrate design requirements to take account of the changing climatic phenomena, integration or extension of control models (thermal or energy) or existing monitoring, integration or extension of monitoring and maintenance plans and measures to increase asset resilience against climate changes.
By integrating these technically robust and forward-looking measures, ADR’s climate adaptation plan reflects a proactive and comprehensive approach to climate resilience. It demonstrates the company’s deep commitment to sustainability, not just as a regulatory or reputational necessity, but as a strategic pillar for the future of airport operations. In doing so, ADR aims to maintain stakeholder trust and secure the long-term viability of the infrastructures under its management.
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