ANNOUNCEMENTS
This thesis presents a comprehensive climate risk assessment of IndiGo Airlines, integrating scientific climate modelling, strategic regulatory analysis, and business-oriented visualization aligned with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework. Conducted as part of a five-month internship from January to May 2025, the project blends climate science with practical business tools to support climate-informed decision-making at India’s largest airline.
The aviation sector is highly exposed to climate risks—both physical (rising temperatures, cyclones, sea-level rise) and transition-related (policy shifts, carbon pricing, SAF mandates). With increasing pressure on companies to disclose climate-related risks, this study supports IndiGo’s ESG journey by evaluating its climate exposure and preparedness using globally recognized frameworks and real-world data.
The work was structured around three core objectives. First, climate modelling and scenario analysis were conducted using IPCC's SSP-RCP combinations to project risks across six key metro airports. Parameters like extreme heat days, intense precipitation, sea-level rise, and cyclonic events were assessed through Python-based analysis, generating location-specific climate projections till 2050.
Second, a deep-dive into regulatory preparedness was undertaken by mapping IndiGo’s exposure to international frameworks such as CORSIA, EU ETS, and SAF blending mandates. The study estimated financial implications of compliance, including future SAF costs, carbon credit exposure, and operational challenges. A peer benchmarking exercise compared IndiGo’s readiness with global aviation leaders.
Third, a Power BI-based climate risk dashboard was developed to visualize risk exposure, operational disruptions, and financial impacts across different scenarios and timelines. The dashboard acts as a strategic monitoring tool for IndiGo’s ESG and risk management teams, enabling dynamic, data-driven decision-making.
The study concludes that while short-term operational risks remain moderate, future scenarios— especially high-emission pathways—could impose substantial physical and financial challenges. Proactive actions such as fleet modernization, infrastructure climate-proofing, SAF partnerships, and risk-based route planning are critical for long-term resilience.
By aligning scientific data, business impact modelling, and regulatory foresight into one cohesive framework, this thesis contributes directly to IndiGo’s climate strategy and ESG disclosures. It also serves as a replicable model for integrating climate risk management into corporate planning within the aviation sector.
