Climate Change Could Raise Airline Costs As Storm Disruptions Grow

According to the BBC, airlines, airports and passengers could face higher costs and more frequent disruption as climate change makes severe weather more common and harder to manage. The article said thunderstorms, flooding, clear-air turbulence and rising sea levels are all posing growing risks to aviation, with some industry figures warning that busy airports in London and northern Europe are especially exposed. The BBC reported that about 900 flights to and from Heathrow and Gatwick were delayed in late June after storms congested airspace, while dozens more were cancelled. Tim Atkinson, an airline risk consultant and former pilot, said there is a risk that storms could affect all of London’s airports at once, creating serious disruption and potentially dangerous fuel shortages. Former airline executive Andrew Charlton said the risk was low, but added that airlines may need to carry more fuel if storm-related diversions become more common, which would raise costs for passengers. The article said Heathrow and Gatwick have already changed their landing-spacing systems to help reduce delays in high winds, while Gatwick has spent tens of millions of pounds on flood mitigation and expects to invest more than £2bn in expansion. It also cited research from Newcastle University saying 269 airports are already at risk of flooding from rising sea levels, with the total expected to rise, and said protecting airports could cost up to $57bn. The BBC also noted that clear-air turbulence is becoming more common, with Prof Paul Williams of the University of Reading saying severe turbulence on many busy routes could double, treble or worsen.