Airports

Although the ranking of the key risks and challenges for airports varies by region, owners and operators are consistently addressing ESG issues, the build out of automation and digitization programs, the optimization of airport infrastructure and capacity, physical and cyber safety and security, and strategic workforce planning.

COVID-19 has led to a fast track in innovation at airports and the necessity to adopt smart technologies in order to provide a safe and contactless environment for passengers and the wider airport community.

With this drive towards digitalization, airports have effectively changed their risk profile. Their greatest exposures have shifted away from physical terminal assets to a new world of digital assets and online risks. They need to ensure that they evolve their risk methodology and reassess their fitness for a post–COVID-19 digital era of travel.

Climate change has the potential to affect airports’ business through physical, transitional, and regulatory changes. Airports should prepare and respond by understanding and minimizing direct and indirect impacts associated with climate change, cost-effectively reducing energy and greenhouse gas emission levels, and meeting relevant regulatory requirements.

Possible mitigation strategies include carbon-offsetting, incentives for fuel-efficient aircraft or electric aircraft, sustainable water and waste management policies, and sustainable energy consumption policies.