A Bibliometric Analysis of the Impact of Extreme Weather on Air Transport Operations

Abstract

Extreme weather events pose increasing risks to air transport operations, affecting flight safety, scheduling, and infrastructure resilience. This paper provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of scientific literature addressing the impacts of extreme weather on aviation, based on 1000 documents retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (2010–2024). Using VOSviewer software, keyword co-occurrence, overlay visualization, co-authorship networks, and citation analyses were conducted. Results revealed a clear thematic shift from environmental impact assessments toward research emphasizing operational resilience, technological adaptation, and mitigation strategies. Collaboration networks highlighted strong international cooperation, particularly among institutions in the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, with growing contributions from emerging research regions. Highly cited studies predominantly focused on emissions modeling and operational mitigation measures. Despite notable advances, the field remains fragmented and geographically uneven, underscoring the need for broader interdisciplinary integration and empirical validation of adaptation strategies. This paper offers a systematic overview of the evolving research landscape and identifies critical directions for future efforts to enhance the resilience and sustainability of global air transport systems under increasing climatic volatility.

1. Introduction

Extreme weather events, characterized by phenomena such as intense thunderstorms, heavy precipitation, hurricanes, strong winds, heatwaves, and blizzards, have become increasingly frequent and severe over recent decades. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, anthropogenic climate change is a significant driver behind the intensification of these extreme meteorological events [1]. Studies have reported not only an increase in the frequency of extreme events but also in their intensity and duration, thereby exacerbating their impacts on human activities and infrastructure systems [2,3,4]. Extreme weather has far-reaching socio-economic consequences. It affects diverse sectors such as agriculture, energy, transportation, and public health. The transportation sector, particularly aviation, is especially vulnerable due to its reliance on predictable and stable weather patterns [5]. Surface transportation can often accommodate minor delays or rerouting. In contrast, aviation depends on accurate, real-time weather information to maintain safety and operational efficiency [6]. This dependency amplifies the adverse effects of unexpected or extreme weather changes.

Moreover, forecasts indicate a rising trend in the occurrence of compound extreme events, such as heatwaves combined with droughts or simultaneous occurrences of storms across multiple geographic regions [7,8,9]. Such compound events can create cascading failures across interconnected systems, including aviation networks. The risk is compounded by the globalized nature of air travel, where disruptions in one part of the world can rapidly affect operations elsewhere [9].

Adaptation strategies have become a critical area of research, aiming to develop systems and infrastructures capable of withstanding increased meteorological volatility. These strategies include improving predictive capabilities, redesigning operational protocols, and enhancing the physical resilience of airport and navigation infrastructure [10]. However, adapting to the increasing variability and extremity of weather conditions remains a significant challenge for the aviation sector [11].

Air transport is a cornerstone of the global economy, underpinning international trade, tourism, business connectivity, and humanitarian operations [12]. According to the International Air Transport Association, the aviation industry supports over 65 million jobs worldwide and contributes approximately 3.5% to global GDP [13]. Beyond economic metrics, aviation plays a vital role in social connectivity, enabling cultural exchange and rapid disaster response [14]. The modern economy relies heavily on the principles of speed, reliability, and global reach—all of which are inherently tied to efficient air transport systems [15]. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, high-value manufacturing, and perishable goods logistics are particularly dependent on the timely and predictable movement of goods via air cargo services [16]. Disruptions in air transport operations due to extreme weather events can therefore have immediate and far-reaching economic consequences.

Passenger air transport has similarly revolutionized human mobility, shrinking perceived distances between continents and enhancing access to global opportunities. The democratization of air travel has made it accessible to broader segments of society, further integrating global economies and cultures [17]. Thus, any threat to the reliability and safety of air transport, such as that posed by extreme weather events, has a disproportionate impact not only on economics but also on societal well-being [18].

Moreover, aviation is intricately linked to emergency response and disaster management. Air transport enables the rapid deployment of humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and rescue teams during natural disasters, many of which themselves are exacerbated by climate change [19]. Maintaining operational continuity during and after extreme weather events is therefore critical for effective disaster response mechanisms.

1.1. Effects of Extreme Weather on Air Transport Operations

Extreme weather impacts aviation operations through a variety of mechanisms, often leading to complex operational challenges. Thunderstorms, for example, are associated with severe turbulence, lightning strikes, and microbursts, all of which pose serious risks to aircraft during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing [20]. Airport closures and significant delays are common consequences, particularly in regions prone to convective storm activity [21]. Heavy snowfall and freezing rain can severely disrupt ground operations [22]. Runway closures due to snow accumulation, reduced braking action, and the necessity for extensive de-icing procedures lead to cascading operational delays and increased costs [23]. In regions experiencing more frequent and intense winter storms, airports are increasingly investing in enhanced snow removal and anti-icing infrastructure, yet the operational challenges remain substantial [24]. Heatwaves also present critical challenges. High ambient temperatures reduce air density, resulting in decreased aircraft lift—a phenomenon known as “hot and high” conditions [25]. Aircraft operating under such conditions may require longer takeoff distances, reduced payloads, or operational restrictions, thereby affecting airline profitability and operational planning [26]. Studies by Williams and Burbidge suggest that the frequency of such heat-related operational constraints is likely to increase with ongoing climate change [26,27]. Strong crosswinds and low-visibility conditions induced by heavy precipitation or fog can complicate approach and landing phases, necessitating diversions to alternate airports or missed approach procedures [28]. Such events not only disrupt schedules but also strain logistical resources at both primary and alternate airports.

Cumulatively, these impacts lead to increased operational costs, reduced passenger satisfaction, heightened safety risks, and broader economic repercussions across interconnected industries [29]. As climatic patterns continue to evolve, a comprehensive understanding of these operational vulnerabilities is essential for developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies within the aviation sector [30].

In addition to direct operational impacts, extreme weather also influences maintenance schedules and aircraft longevity. Exposure to hail, strong winds, or high humidity can accelerate wear and tear on aircraft structures and systems [31]. This necessitates more frequent inspections and repairs, further increasing operational costs and posing logistical challenges for fleet management [32].

Another critical dimension is the impact on air traffic control (ATC) operations. Extreme weather can degrade radar performance, interfere with communication signals, and complicate navigation procedures [33]. Controllers may need to reroute traffic, increase separation minima, and reduce airport arrival rates, all of which contribute to systemic delays and congestion across airspace networks [34].

Furthermore, extreme weather affects airport ground support systems. Flooding can damage ground electrical systems, baggage handling operations, and access roads, thereby impeding the flow of passengers and cargo [35]. Drought and heatwaves can also affect runway integrity by causing pavement deterioration, necessitating costly and disruptive repairs [36]. The psychological impact on flight crews and ground personnel is another emerging concern. Operating under extreme weather conditions significantly increases cognitive workload and stress levels, which may impair decision-making and overall operational performance [37]. To address these challenges, comprehensive training programs and support mechanisms are essential components of resilience strategies. At the same time, insurance and liability issues are becoming increasingly complex, as the frequency and severity of extreme weather events continue to rise. Airlines and airport operators must therefore navigate more insurance claim procedures and proactively adapt their risk management strategies to account for the heightened likelihood of weather-related disruptions and damages [38]. Finally, regulatory and policy frameworks are evolving to address the challenges posed by extreme weather. Aviation authorities are introducing more stringent requirements for weather preparedness, including mandatory contingency planning, infrastructure resilience standards, and investment in advanced weather monitoring technologies [39]. These regulatory shifts underscore the growing recognition of the need for systemic adaptations across the aviation industry.

Table 1. Key papers on operational impacts.

Authors	Year	Key Focus Area	Contribution
Zhang et al. [20]	2024	Airport operations under thunderstorms	Assesses resilience of aircraft area networks during severe weather using simulation.
Morss et al. [23]	2022	Weather forecast use in snow/ice management	Demonstrates improved decision-making from probabilistic forecasts at a major US airport.
Pohl et al. [24]	2021	Runway scheduling in winter	Presents optimization models for runway use during snow events to reduce events.
Lemetti [33]	2023	Weather impact on ATC operations	Analyzes degradation of air traffic control performance in adverse weather.
Arbuckle [35]	2025	Flood impact on airport infrastructure	Highlights vulnerabilities in airport systems due to flooding and adverse events

provides an overview of selected papers that highlight the operational impacts of extreme weather on air transport. These contributions address a range of disruptions, from thunderstorm-related risks and snow-induced delays to challenges in air traffic control and airport infrastructure resilience.

1.2. Research Trends and Developments

The academic response to the growing challenges posed by extreme weather impacts on air transport operations has been multifaceted and dynamic. A significant body of research has emerged, addressing different dimensions of the problem through a wide range of disciplinary lenses, including meteorology, transportation engineering, climatology, environmental science, operations research, and risk management.

Meteorological research has primarily focused on improving the accuracy of weather forecasting, especially in the context of aviation. Advances in numerical weather prediction, ensemble forecasting, and nowcasting have significantly enhanced the ability to predict severe weather phenomena such as convective storms, turbulence, and icing conditions [40,41,42,43]. These developments have been crucial for air traffic management and flight planning. In the field of transportation engineering, researchers have investigated operational vulnerabilities and resilience strategies [44]. Studies have explored delay propagation models, capacity management under adverse conditions, optimization of de-icing operations, and strategic airport infrastructure planning to accommodate extreme weather risks [45,46,47]. Climatological studies have emphasized the long-term trends and projections of weather patterns affecting aviation [48,49]. Researchers have analyzed the correlation between climate change indicators and the frequency of aviation-relevant weather extremes, offering predictive insights that are vital for long-term industry planning [50]. Environmental science research has assessed the feedback loops between aviation activities and climate change. Studies have explored how contrails, aviation-induced cloudiness, and greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft contribute to atmospheric changes that, in turn, affect weather patterns [51,52,53]. Operations research has provided decision-support models for air traffic control and airline operations under extreme weather scenarios [54]. Techniques such as stochastic modeling, simulation, and machine learning have been employed to optimize rerouting, rescheduling, and resource allocation in response to weather disruptions [55]. Risk management frameworks have been developed to quantify and mitigate the financial, operational, and safety risks associated with extreme weather impacts on aviation [56]. These frameworks integrate meteorological forecasts, operational data, and economic models to support strategic decision-making at the organizational and policy levels.

While significant progress has been made in understanding and addressing the impacts of extreme weather on air transport operations, the field continues to evolve. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and climate-resilient infrastructure design, are opening new avenues for research [57,58,59,60,61]. There is a pressing need for ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration, global data sharing, and the development of integrated models that can better inform both tactical operations and strategic planning in the face of growing meteorological uncertainties.

Table 2. Key research trends.

Authors	Year	Key Focus Area	Contribution
Jarošová & Janošková [40]	2023	Meteorological causes of accidents.	Examines link between weather phenomena and aviation accidents.
Liu et al. [41]	2024	Weather prediction using ML	Applies machine learning to forecast dangerous flight weather.
Li et al. [42]	2023	Pilot behavior under risky weather	Uses EEG and ML to identify risky pilot actions during VFR conditions.
Chen et al. [44]	2023	Transport network resilience	Models vulnerabilities in interdependent transportation networks under weather stress.
Kazda et al. [45]	2023	Airport planning under climate stress	Discusses planning horizons and infrastructure design in changing climate conditions.

summarizes key contributions that reflect broader research developments in this field. The selected studies illustrate interdisciplinary approaches to weather forecasting, risk modeling, machine learning applications, and climate-resilient planning, showcasing how the scientific community has responded to the increasing complexity of weather-related aviation risks.

1.3. Research Gaps

Despite the expanding body of literature addressing the relationship between extreme weather and air transport operations, several notable research gaps persist. First, much of the existing research remains highly specialized and fragmented, focusing narrowly on specific types of extreme weather phenomena or isolated operational impacts without offering an integrated perspective. There is a lack of comprehensive frameworks that combine meteorological, operational, economic, and environmental dimensions into a unified model. Second, regional disparities in research coverage are evident. Most studies have been conducted in North America and Europe, with limited attention given to regions in Africa, Asia, and South America, where aviation infrastructure is rapidly expanding but may be more vulnerable to climatic extremes. This geographic imbalance hampers the development of globally applicable adaptation strategies. Third, while numerous predictive models and resilience strategies have been proposed, empirical validation using real-world operational data remains limited. There is a need for longitudinal studies that track the effectiveness of implemented adaptation measures over time, thereby providing evidence-based guidance for industry and policymakers. Fourth, emerging risks associated with compound and cascading weather events—such as simultaneous storm systems affecting multiple hub airports—are underexplored. Research tends to treat weather disruptions as isolated incidents rather than as interconnected systemic challenges. Finally, there is a paucity of bibliometric studies that systematically map the intellectual structure, collaboration networks, and thematic trends within this multidisciplinary field. A bibliometric analysis would not only consolidate scattered findings but also highlight influential contributions, identify under-researched areas, and reveal evolving research priorities.

1.4. Objectives of This Research

The primary objective of this research is to systematically assess the scientific literature related to the impacts of extreme weather on air transport operations through a bibliometric analysis. Using data retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, this research aims to achieve the following:

• Visualize the co-occurrence of key concepts and themes within the research domain;
• Map collaboration networks among authors, institutions, and countries;
• Identify the most influential publications, authors, and journals;
• Detect emerging trends and potential research gaps;
• Provide a comprehensive overview of the intellectual structure of the field.

Achieving these objectives contributes to a better understanding of how research on extreme weather and aviation has evolved, where future research efforts should be directed, and how interdisciplinary collaboration can be enhanced to address the complex challenges posed by a changing climate. In recent decades, the occurrence of extreme weather events has shown a rising trend in both frequency and intensity. Climate change is increasingly associated with more frequent heatwaves, heavy precipitation, severe storms, and other meteorological extremes. These events have caused substantial disruptions across global transport systems, including aviation. Heat-induced runway closures, snowstorm-related delays, and storm-driven flight diversions are becoming more common. These developments highlight the urgency of understanding how extreme weather affects aviation operations and support the relevance of this research.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Data Source and Collection

The data for the research in the form of bibliometric analysis were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection, one of the most comprehensive and authoritative databases of peer-reviewed literature. The search was conducted in April 2025, using a combination of keywords related to “extreme weather” and “air transport operations.” The search strategy included terms such as “extreme weather,” “climate impact,” “aviation,” “air transport,” “flight delay,” “airport operations,” and their synonyms.

The search was limited to articles and proceeding papers published between years 2010 and 2024 to capture recent developments and trends. Only documents written in English were considered. The final dataset comprised 1000 publications, ensuring relevance and consistency with the study’s objectives. The final dataset is available in Supplementary Materials of the article.

Figure 1 illustrates the annual publication output related to extreme weather and air transport operations between 2010 and 2024. The trend shows a clear and consistent increase in research activity over the studied period, with a particularly notable surge in publications from 2020 onwards. This uptake aligns with growing scientific and policy attention to climate-related disruptions in aviation. The sharp rise in 2024 suggests a recent intensification of academic interest, likely driven by emerging global challenges and increasing data availability. The observed trajectory confirms the relevance and timeliness of the topic within the broader transport and environmental research agenda.

2.2. Data Processing and Software Tools

The retrieved data were exported in “Plain Text” format with full records and cited references. Bibliographic information, such as titles, abstracts, author keywords, source journals, and references, was included.

For data processing and visualization, VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) was employed. This tool was used to construct and visualize bibliometric networks, including co-authorship, co-occurrence of keywords, citation, and bibliographic coupling networks [62,63].

2.3. Analytical Approach

The analysis focused on several dimensions:

• Keyword Co-occurrence Analysis: To identify major research themes and thematic clusters.
• Overlay Visualization: To reveal the temporal evolution of research topics.
• Co-authorship Analysis: To map collaboration networks among authors and countries.
• Citation Analysis: To identify highly influential publications and research directions.

Threshold values were applied to focus on the most relevant elements within each network. For instance, a minimum occurrence threshold of 10 was set for keyword analysis, while citation analyses considered documents with at least 30 citations. The combination of network visualization and descriptive bibliometric indicators provided a comprehensive understanding of the intellectual, social, and conceptual structures within the field of extreme weather impacts on air transport operations.

3. Results

3.1. Keyword Co-Occurrence Analysis

A keyword co-occurrence network was constructed based on 75 of the most frequently occurring keywords, each appearing in at least 10 documents. The analysis revealed a rich and interconnected research landscape divided into several thematic clusters. This clustering highlights how the field has matured from fragmented studies into a more structured research landscape with recurring themes. The visualization also reveals that computational modeling and resilience planning have become central to scholarly discourse. Notably, the intellectual structure of the field encompasses areas such as computational modeling and prediction methods, operational challenges linked to extreme weather, atmospheric and climate-related studies, and strategies aimed at resilience and mitigation within the aviation sector. This diverse array of topics underscores the multidisciplinary nature of contemporary research efforts addressing the vulnerability of air transport systems to extreme meteorological phenomena.

Figure 2 shows keyword co-occurrence network visualization, where nodes represent keywords, their size corresponds to frequency of occurrence, and the colors indicate major thematic clusters. Following the visualization in Figure 2, the red cluster emerged as predominantly focused on computational modeling, machine learning, performance optimization, and weather prediction systems. Keywords such as “machine learning,” “deep learning,” and “optimization” are central, reflecting a technological approach to forecasting and managing the operational impacts of extreme weather. The density of connections in this cluster suggests an intensifying research interest in leveraging artificial intelligence and big data analytics within aviation weather management.

The yellow and green clusters highlight operational resilience and climate impact studies, respectively. The yellow cluster connects terms like “resilience,” “flight delays,” and “airport safety,” emphasizing practical challenges faced by airports and airlines. Meanwhile, the green cluster is centered on terms such as “aviation,” “climate change,” and “impact,” indicating a growing emphasis on understanding and mitigating the broader environmental consequences of air transport activities. Together, these clusters illustrate how research is moving beyond descriptive studies toward actionable solutions that integrate operational resilience with environmental responsibility.

Beyond the thematic clustering, the visualization also reveals a noticeable asymmetry in keyword prominence. While technical and operational terms such as “machine learning” and “optimization” are central, keywords related to policy frameworks, social impact, or training and education appear far less frequently. This suggests an underrepresentation of human-centered and regulatory dimensions in the current literature, pointing to a potential gap in the research landscape. Addressing this gap could be critical for the successful implementation of resilience strategies in real-world aviation environments.

3.2. Overlay Visualization of Research Trends

The overlay visualization provided deeper insights into the temporal evolution of research topics within the field. Based on the average publication year of the documents associated with each keyword, a color gradient was applied ranging from blue (older topics) to yellow (newer topics). This temporal mapping allowed for the identification of emerging trends and the shifting focus areas within the literature over the past decade and is presented in Figure 3, where node colors represent the average publication year, with blue indicating earlier topics and yellow representing more recent research focus.

The analysis revealed that earlier research, represented by cooler colors, concentrated primarily on fundamental atmospheric studies, emission impacts, and basic modeling of weather phenomena affecting aviation. The chronological shift toward terms such as “resilience” and “machine learning” indicates that the research community is increasingly focused on practical and technological solutions. This evolution mirrors the growing urgency of climate adaptation in aviation. Terms such as “clouds,” “aerosols,” and “precipitation” were dominant in earlier years, reflecting a foundational understanding of meteorological factors. In contrast, more recent studies, highlighted in yellow tones, increasingly emphasize operational resilience, optimization through machine learning, and strategies for climate impact mitigation. Keywords such as “machine learning,” “deep learning,” “resilience,” and “mitigation” demonstrate a clear pivot towards applied technological solutions and adaptive strategies within aviation systems.

This progression in thematic focus suggests a maturation of the field, moving from descriptive and observational studies to solution-oriented research aimed at increasing the robustness and sustainability of air transport operations in the face of a changing climate. The overlay analysis not only highlights new areas of interest but also underscores the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of research at the intersection of meteorology, technology, and aviation management.

3.3. Co-Authorship Analysis

The co-authorship network analysis provides insight into the structure of collaborative research within the field of extreme weather and air transport operations. The observed cross-cluster links suggest strong interdisciplinary integration, which is essential for tackling multifaceted problems like extreme weather. Authors positioned at the intersection of clusters may act as key facilitators of knowledge transfer. A total of 84 authors who published at least three documents were included in the network. The resulting structure reveals a highly interconnected research community, with multiple distinct collaboration clusters that often intersect through key individuals. The density and intensity of links suggest strong academic partnerships and a shared interdisciplinary focus among researchers addressing meteorological and aviation challenges. Figure 4 shows co-authorship network visualization, where nodes represent authors, their size corresponds to the number of documents, and colors indicate collaborative clusters.

The analysis highlights several prominent collaboration groups. The cluster led by Volker Grewe and Florian Linke is one of the most influential, focusing heavily on climate impact modeling and sustainable aviation solutions. Another strong group revolves around Katrin Dahlmann and Ulrike Burkhardt, concentrating on atmospheric modeling and emission studies. The blue cluster, centered on Steven R.H. Barrett and Marc E.J. Stettler, is oriented towards environmental policy, emissions reduction, and operational mitigation strategies. These core clusters indicate both thematic specialization and interdisciplinary integration within the research community.

A notable feature of the network is the interconnectedness among the dominant clusters, suggesting ongoing interdisciplinary cooperation between environmental scientists, engineers, and policy experts. These collaborative ties are vital for translating scientific insights into operational practices that enhance aviation system resilience against extreme weather phenomena. Authors positioned at the intersection of multiple clusters often act as knowledge brokers, facilitating the transfer of methodologies and best practices across research domains.

Furthermore, the network reveals a pattern of international collaboration, with authors from different countries actively co-authoring publications. The connections between European research institutions and North American entities are particularly prominent. The high degree of interconnectivity among clusters points to an increasingly globalized research effort to tackle the multifaceted problems associated with extreme weather impacts on aviation operations. Such collaborative structures are critical for developing comprehensive, cross-disciplinary solutions that address both local operational challenges and global environmental concerns.

3.4. Country-Level Collaboration

The country-level collaboration analysis highlights the geographic distribution of research efforts and international partnerships in the field of extreme weather impacts on air transport operations. A total of 43 countries met the inclusion criteria, contributing at least three documents each to the dataset. The resulting network in Figure 5 demonstrates the dominance of several key countries in driving research output, while also illustrating the degree of cross-national collaboration that characterizes the field. The visualization shows how countries are interconnected through joint research activities, forming clusters based on regional or thematic affinities. In Figure 5 nodes represent countries, their size corresponds to the number of documents, and the color gradient indicates the average publication year.

As shown in the collaboration map, the most active contributors in this research domain include the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, which together account for approximately 48% of the total publications. In contrast, emerging economies in Asia and South America exhibit growing but still limited engagement, highlighting regional imbalances in research production. The United States emerged as the most prolific contributor, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. The presence of emerging contributors such as Turkey and India reflects a gradual diversification of the research base. However, the network still shows gaps in collaboration with regions highly vulnerable to climate change, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South America. These countries not only produced the highest number of publications but also established numerous international collaborations, particularly with Australia, Canada, and various European nations. Germany, in particular, acted as a central hub within Europe, connecting with countries such as France, Finland, and Norway. The strong collaborative ties between leading nations suggest an established global network focused on addressing the challenges posed by extreme weather in aviation.

In addition to traditional research powerhouses, emerging contributors such as Turkey, India, and Japan have shown increasing activity in recent years. These countries are gradually integrating into the global research network, often establishing bilateral or trilateral partnerships with more established research centers. The inclusion of these newer contributors indicates a broadening of the research base, reflecting the growing importance of climate resilience in aviation worldwide. Overall, the country-level analysis underscores the necessity of international cooperation to tackle the inherently global issue of extreme weather impacts on air transport systems.

These differences in national research output may be partially explained by the scale and vulnerability of each country’s air transport system. Nations with larger aviation markets, higher passenger volumes, or greater exposure to extreme weather events may have stronger motivation and institutional capacity to conduct related research. Although this research did not include a quantitative comparison of such indicators, future research could explore these correlations to provide deeper insight into the drivers of scientific engagement in this field.

3.5. Highly Cited Publications

The citation analysis focused on identifying the most influential studies within the field of extreme weather impacts on air transport operations. The citation clusters show how foundational work on emissions has influenced newer research focused on resilience and adaptation. This transition underscores a shift in priorities from impact assessment to solution development. Documents that received at least 30 citations were included, resulting in a network comprising 71 highly cited publications. This set of papers forms the intellectual foundation for ongoing research and highlights critical contributions to the understanding and management of extreme weather risks in aviation.

Figure 6 shows citation network visualization where nodes represent publications, their size corresponds to the number of citations received, and links illustrate citation relationship among them. Among the highly cited works in Figure 6, the publications by Lee (2010) [64], Wilkerson (2010) [65], and Moore (2017) [66] emerged as central nodes within the network. Lee’s work primarily addresses emissions from aviation and their environmental impacts, providing fundamental insights into the sector’s contribution to climate change. Wilkerson’s research complements this perspective by modeling the climatic effects of aviation-related emissions. Meanwhile, Moore’s study introduces operational mitigation strategies, marking a shift towards applied research focused on reducing aviation’s environmental footprint.

The network structure indicates the existence of several thematic clusters, each focusing on specific aspects, such as atmospheric chemistry, emissions modeling, or operational adaptation strategies. Earlier studies predominantly dealt with the quantification and modeling of emissions and contrail formation, while more recent influential works increasingly emphasize mitigation strategies, technological innovations, and resilience planning. This evolution reflects the dynamic nature of the research field, shifting from purely descriptive studies to solution-oriented research that supports the transition towards sustainable aviation under changing climatic conditions. The citation network also indicates the formation of tightly connected citation clusters, which suggests that the field is still partly siloed, with limited cross-referencing between research streams (e.g., climate science vs. operational resilience). Encouraging cross-citation between these clusters, especially between technical and environmental studies, could help bridge methodological divides and support more integrated approaches to tackling the challenges of extreme weather in aviation.

4. Discussion

The bibliometric analysis provided critical insights into the evolution, current structure, and emerging trends within the research domain of extreme weather impacts on air transport operations. The keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed a multidisciplinary focus, with growing attention to technological innovations, such as machine learning, operational resilience strategies, and climate impact mitigation. This thematic evolution suggests a shift from descriptive analyses towards solution-driven research aimed at enhancing aviation system robustness in a changing climate.

The overlay visualization confirmed this dynamic transition, illustrating how foundational studies on atmospheric sciences have given way to more recent research focused on operational management and technological adaptation. This progression mirrors the increasing urgency within the aviation industry to develop actionable resilience measures rather than solely characterizing meteorological risks.

The co-authorship and country-level collaboration networks emphasized the importance of international and interdisciplinary partnerships in advancing the field. Leading nations such as the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom have built strong research networks, while emerging contributors are becoming increasingly integrated. Collaborative research is essential to address the complex and global nature of climate-related aviation challenges, and the observed interconnectedness among researchers and institutions is a positive indicator for future progress.

Finally, the analysis of highly cited publications highlighted the intellectual foundations of the field, from early environmental impact assessments to current studies focusing on mitigation and resilience strategies. The citation network also reflects the growing recognition of operational adaptation as a necessary complement to environmental modeling.

Taken together, the results underscore the rapid development of an interdisciplinary research community focused on safeguarding air transport operations from the escalating threats posed by extreme weather. However, the findings also point to the need for broader geographic coverage, greater empirical validation of proposed strategies, and further integration across scientific disciplines to holistically address the multifaceted risks facing the aviation sector.

Although this paper is bibliometric in nature, the insights correspond well with real-world developments. For example, major airports in the United States and Northern Europe—regions with high research output—have implemented advanced response protocols for winter storms, including automated de-icing systems, enhanced runway clearing procedures, and revised contingency plans. In the United Kingdom and Germany, some airports have also invested in predictive analytics and weather-resilient infrastructure to manage climate-induced disruptions. These measures illustrate how the findings of scientific research are reflected in operational strategies, reinforcing the importance of continued knowledge transfer between academia and practice.

While this paper highlights the dominance of research from Europe and North America, the discussion of underrepresented regions remains limited. Areas such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America are likely to face growing exposure to extreme weather events, yet the volume of related academic output remains relatively low. Meanwhile, countries like Japan, South Korea, and China show signs of increasing engagement, reflecting the strategic importance of weather-resilient aviation systems in Asia. Future studies should further explore these regional dynamics through case studies, vulnerability analyses, or targeted bibliometric comparisons.

5. Conclusions

This paper provided a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature addressing the impacts of extreme weather on air transport operations. Through the application of co-occurrence, overlay visualization, co-authorship, and citation analyses, the intellectual, social, and conceptual structures of the field were systematically explored. The results highlight a clear evolution from fundamental atmospheric and environmental studies towards more solution-oriented research emphasizing operational resilience, technological adaptation, and climate impact mitigation. The strong collaborative networks among authors and countries emphasize the interdisciplinary and global nature of this research area.

Despite significant progress, several research gaps remain, particularly regarding empirical validation, integration of diverse scientific disciplines, and broader geographic representation. Future research should focus on enhancing predictive capabilities, developing adaptive operational frameworks, and fostering inclusive international collaboration to effectively address the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events.

Overall, this bibliometric analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of the evolving research landscape and offers a valuable foundation for guiding future investigations aimed at improving the resilience and sustainability of air transport systems in an increasingly volatile climate.