Airports are evolving. Infrastructure once dedicated solely to conventional aircraft is now poised to become a critical node in a distributed, flexible, and fossil-free transport system.
According to the report Morgondagens Flyg, Sweden’s network of over 80 regional airports holds untapped potential not just for greener flight, but also for resilience, logistics, and public service delivery.
The report envisions regional airports serving electric aircraft, eVTOLs, and drone systems, supporting everything from inter-regional passenger flights to time-sensitive medical deliveries and first-responder logistics in crisis situations. Electric aircraft are quieter and less infrastructure-dependent than their predecessors, and many eVTOLs can operate from compact vertiports requiring minimal land use.
This transformation necessitates a shift in perception and management of airports. Planners and policymakers are encouraged to view airports as local and regional assets. With appropriate investment, smaller airports can become green energy hubs—equipped with charging stations, hydrogen supply, and smart grid systems.
However, the change isn’t solely technical. Governance, financing, and regulatory frameworks must evolve. Municipalities may need new mandates or incentives to invest in infrastructure that supports next-generation aviation. As Morgondagens Flyg points out, this is also an opportunity to reinforce Sweden’s strategic readiness. Many airports already play a role in national crisis response, and future aerial mobility systems can amplify that capacity.
Tomorrow’s airports won’t just take us places—they’ll anchor sustainable regional development, provide redundancy in times of crisis, and keep Sweden connected in every sense of the word.
What role do you think future airports should play in the green transition and in society’s crisis preparedness?
This article builds on the report “Morgondagens Flyg” (The Aviation of Tomorrow), created by Transportföretagen and Aero EDIH.
