The contingency plan for Copenhagen airport

Description

The project mainly concerns staff instructions and contingency planning, focused on torrential rain.

The Environmental Management Department at Copenhagen Airport examined the climate impacts that could hit the airport such as temperature increases and changes in precipitation or wind conditions. Different to the Copenhagen areas as such, increased rainfall and rising sea levels are not the prevailing problems for the airport itself. Under the cloudburst that hit Copenhagen on 2 July 2011, it was not the airport's own drainage pipes that collapsed. The problem was in the highway towards the airport which was under water, so passengers could not reach the airport. Thus the airport needs to cooperate with its neighbouring municipalities to make sure that all their climate adaptation plans are coherent.

The airport’s main adaptation need was to establish a contingency plan that could take effect if there is warning of extreme rain. The contingency plan – currently under development – identifies the key areas which must be adequately protected from the airport, so that operations are not disrupted for a long time. The contingency plan shall also designate the stands and taxiways that will quickly be able to work when a cloudburst has peaked and those that need help in getting rid of the water. Therefore it provides precise instructions for the responsible staff, to manage effectively sandbags, pumps etc. The plan also includes a proposal for the purchase of flood barriers that can act as a temporary reservoir. The next step for the airport is to decide which of the recommended solutions are to be implemented and in which order.

Reference information