Regional Insights from Global Study on Disaster Resilience of Airports
This global study examines disaster resilience practices across 111 airports, revealing significant regional variations in approach and preparedness. The research analyzes vulnerability assessments, risk mitigation strategies, emergency response planning, and recovery capabilities across five regions.
The document provides comparative regional analysis highlighting distinct approaches: African airports prioritize user safety and executive decision-making over systematic risk assessment; Asia-Pacific airports emphasize stakeholder collaboration and coordinated disaster management plans; European airports integrate risk assessment as the primary resilience driver with proactive master planning; Latin America and Caribbean airports maintain operational continuity through strong emergency response protocols; and North American airports excel in business continuity planning with substantial risk mitigation funding.
Key findings reveal varying regional vulnerabilities to hazards including flooding, extreme weather events, geological risks, and system failures, with projected increases in hazard severity across all regions. The study benchmarks critical practices including vulnerability assessments (ranging from 35-100% implementation), critical asset identification, resilience assessments, mitigation funding allocation, and disaster recovery planning. Regional recovery capabilities show significant variation, with some airports resuming operations within two hours while others require extended recovery periods. This comprehensive assessment serves as a strategic resource for airport operators, policymakers, and infrastructure planners to enhance aviation sector resilience globally.