As many as 73 airports across India have transitioned to using 100% green energy, underscoring the country’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint since 2014. As the industry experiences a surge in both domestic and international passenger traffic, it is also positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable aviation practices.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has been at the forefront of efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and net-zero carbon emissions at airports, standardising the Carbon Accounting and Reporting framework to guide airport operators in their sustainability initiatives.
To support these goals, airport operators, including the Airports Authority of India (AAI), have installed solar power plants at various airports to generate green energy for self-consumption. Additionally, some airports are procuring renewable energy through open access, further advancing the use of sustainable energy sources.
The MoCA is also promoting the development of new Greenfield airports in partnership with state governments, encouraging them to prioritise carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions in the planning and construction stages. Since 2014, 12 Greenfield airports have been established, along with 48 airports and airstrips constructed by AAI, reflecting a strong commitment to eco-friendly infrastructure.
Leading airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru have achieved Level 4+ and higher certifications from the Airports Council International (ACI), designating them as carbon-neutral or net-zero facilities. These certifications not only showcase India’s progress but also set a benchmark for other airports in the region to follow.
