Preparing the airport for a changing climate
Weather patterns in the UK are changing. Heathrow is already seeing the effects through periods of extreme heat, heavy rainfall and more frequent storms.
As the UK’s global hub airport, we need to plan for these risks and manage them carefully. Climate adaptation focuses on keeping the airport operating safely and reliably while protecting passenger experience and supporting the communities around us.
We are assessing climate risks across the airport and building resilience into how we design, maintain and operate Heathrow.
Our Climate Adaptation Strategy shows how Heathrow is preparing for climate change, outlining key risks, six resilience goals and ten action areas, and the steps we are taking.
Designing, maintaining and upgrading Heathrow’s buildings, assets and engineering standards so they can better withstand extreme heat, rainfall, wind and flooding.
Strengthening operational procedures and contingency planning so flights, passenger services and airfield activity can continue safely during periods of extreme weather.
Working with aviation partners and regulators to understand how climate change may affect airspace operations and to prepare for potential disruption from storms and high winds.
Working with transport partners to support reliable access to and from the airport, including managing risks such as flooding, heat-related rail disruption and road impacts.
Working with local authorities and community partners across West London and the Thames Valley to understand shared climate risks, including flooding and extreme heat.
Improving how we use climate data, modelling, and risk assessment to inform investment decisions, update standards, and strengthen long-term planning.
Heathrow’s Climate Adaptation Report (ARP4) explains climate risks facing the airport and how we’re strengthening infrastructure, operations and systems to keep services safe in more extreme weather.
