Regional aviation professionals trained in climate resilience at SSR International Airport

Some 25 aviation professionals from nine airports across Africa and the Indian Ocean region, including Mauritius, participated in a training course entitled course ‘Building Climate Resilient Airports: Climate Change Risk and Adaptation’, organised by Airports of Mauritius Co Ltd (AML) and Airports Council International (ACI) Africa, from 04 to 07 May 2026 at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) International Airport in Plaine Magnien.

The objective of the course was to equip participants with practical tools to understand climate risks specific to their country’s infrastructure, conduct robust risk and impact assessments, and design adaptation pathways.

The training’s award ceremony was held, yesterday, at the Airport Receptorium in the presence of the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Rajesh Anand Bhagwan, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AML, Mr Lormus Bundhoo, and other personalities.

In his speech, the Minister stated that the aviation sector accounts for approximately 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions, of which 80% come from flights over 1,500 km. He added that in 2023, emissions reached nearly 950 million tonnes of CO₂, rebounding to over 90% of pre-pandemic levels.

Nevertheless, Mr Bhagwan put forward the right direction taken by the sector with drastic reductions in emissions per passenger-kilometre, which have been divided by five since 1960 and by two since 1992. However, he was of the view that this transformative pace now needs to match the urgency through continuing efforts on sustainable fuels together with more efficient aircraft and operational improvements.

The Minister recalled as well that while air connectivity is essential for Mauritius as a tourism-driven island economy, it also contributes to the carbon footprint. He thus welcomed the training course which, he said, aligns directly with the country’s National Adaptation Plan. The Plan identifies vulnerabilities, prioritises investments, and builds pipeline of bankable projects. “The knowledge gained through this training will therefore play a vital role in supporting the preparation of a robust project pipeline for the airports and aviation sector, helping to safeguard connectivity, tourism and economic resilience for the African region,” stressed Mr Bhagwan.

Expressing his gratitude to the stakeholders from the aviation sector for their contribution to Mauritius’ third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), submitted in September 2025, the Minister called for their collaboration and contribution in the preparation of the upcoming combined Fourth National Communication and the Second Biennial Transparency Report for the Republic of Mauritius.

For his part, AML’s CEO highlighted that for island nations like Mauritius, building a climate resilient airport is not an option but essential to the survival, connectivity and future prosperity. He also dwelt on the adverse impact of climate change on airport infrastructure and operations through extreme weather, sea level rise and changing climatic patterns.

According to Mr Bundhoo, sustainability has become a competitive advantage. He therefore deemed it essential that SSR International Airport be in the forefront to tackle climate change and the consequences of climate change. On that score, he listed measures initiated to transition from traditional operations to integrated, sustainable airport by focusing on waste management, carbon management, water recycling and energy efficiency.

08 May 2026

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Topics: Environment, Tourism, Training