IGIA becomes India’s first to achieve net zero carbon emissions

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has become India’s first airport to achieve net zero carbon emissions under the Airport Council International’s (ACI) accreditation program. Achieving this milestone ahead of its 2030 target, the airport has adopted renewable energy, developed green infrastructure, and promoted electric vehicles. This landmark achievement underscores IGIA’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Delhi airport has become India’s first to achieve net zero carbon emission status under the Airport Council International’s (ACI) accreditation program, announced GMR Group-led DIAL, which operates Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). The airport initially aimed for net zero emissions by 2030 but achieved this goal ahead of schedule through renewable energy adoption, green infrastructure development, and the promotion of electric vehicles.

IGIA now holds the distinction of being the first airport in India to attain the Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport status, as per ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program. “Achieving Level 5 net zero emission accreditation in 2024 highlights our commitment to sustainability and continual improvement,” said DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar. He added that the airport will continue efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and explore sustainable aviation fuel options to address Scope 3 emissions.

The ACA program offers a comprehensive framework for active carbon management at airports, encouraging best practices in carbon reduction and recognizing significant achievements. There are five levels of accreditation, with level 5 being the highest. By attaining level 5 certification, Delhi airport has significantly reduced its Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions by 90 percent. The remaining emissions were offset through approved removals, meeting the stringent ACA program requirements.

The ACI, a trade association for the world’s airports, recognizes Delhi airport’s substantial progress in carbon reduction. This achievement underscores the airport’s leadership in environmental sustainability within the aviation industry.