Airports are at the forefront of a global transformation, rethinking their role not just as transport hubs but as sustainable, connected cities of the future. In this episode we explore how airports around the world are responding to environmental pressures, technological advancements, and increasing passenger demands. From Hong Kong’s ambitious runway reclamation to Heathrow’s efforts to expand sustainably, we unpack the complex challenges and exciting innovations shaping the future of air travel infrastructure.

Our guests George Davies, Meghan Sheehan, and Jeremy Lee, each bring unique perspectives from the UK, US, and Asia, offering a global overview of how different regions are tackling infrastructure constraints, passenger experience upgrades, and the transition to low-carbon operations. Their insights reveal the balancing act between growth, sustainability, and community impact.

We learn how airports are embracing flexible, future-ready design, from better integration with public transport to preparing for sustainable aviation fuels like SAF and hydrogen. We’ll hear how digital tools, AI, and biometrics are streamlining passenger journeys and why collaboration across borders is key to delivering smarter, greener airports. Whether it’s reclaiming land from the sea or unlocking bottlenecks in airspace, this episode captures how aviation is engineering a more sustainable and efficient tomorrow.

Guests

George Davies, Director for Sustainable Aviation, AtkinsRéalis 

Meghan Sheehan, Deputy US Aviation Manager, AtkinsRéalis 

Jeremy Lee Chartered Civil Engineer, AtkinsRéalis

Partners

AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading professional services and project management company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. Employing over 37,000 people across Canada, the US and Latin America, the UK and Ireland, and Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, AtkinsRéalis creates sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems.

The post #332 The Future of Airports Around the World first appeared on Engineering Matters.