Delhi Airport, known as Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), has made history by becoming the first airport in India to achieve the status of ‘Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport.’ This prestigious recognition was awarded under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme by Airport Council International (ACI). The milestone was proudly announced by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL).

A Major Milestone

IGIA earned the Level 5 certification, the highest level of achievement in the ACA programme. This certification reflects the airport’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability and its significant success in reducing carbon emissions. Impressively, Delhi Airport reached this goal six years ahead of the 2030 target set by the airport industry.

Key Strategies for Success

To achieve net zero carbon emissions, DIAL employed several key strategies:

• Switching to Renewable Energy: The airport transitioned to using clean, renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to minimize its carbon footprint.
• Promoting Electric Vehicles: DIAL promoted the use of electric vehicles (EVs) for airport operations, reducing emissions from transportation within the airport.
• Upgrading Infrastructure: The airport upgraded its facilities to support more environmentally friendly practices, such as energy-efficient buildings and systems.

Past Achievements

Delhi Airport has a strong track record in sustainability:

• 2016: IGIA achieved carbon neutrality, meaning it balanced the amount of carbon it emitted with the amount it offset or removed from the atmosphere.
• 2020: The airport reached Level 4+ accreditation, a testament to its ongoing dedication to reducing its environmental impact.

Future Goals

DIAL’s CEO highlighted the airport’s continued efforts to further reduce its environmental impact. This includes exploring the use of sustainable aviation fuel, which can significantly lower emissions from aircraft, and addressing Scope 3 emissions, which are indirect emissions from sources such as passenger travel and waste management. These initiatives demonstrate Delhi Airport’s forward-thinking approach to climate responsibility and innovation.

By achieving Level 5 certification, Delhi Airport has set a new benchmark for sustainable airport operations in India and serves as a model for airports worldwide in reducing carbon emissions.