MENA Newswire News Desk: India has officially standardized its Carbon Accounting and Reporting Framework at both domestic and international airports, as part of its ongoing efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and move towards net zero carbon emissions within the civil aviation sector. According to a fact sheet released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, airport operators across the country have been instructed to track carbon emissions at their respective airports and progressively work towards achieving carbon neutrality and net zero emissions.
This initiative will be rolled out in a phased manner, ensuring compliance with the new framework across all operational airports. As part of the plan, state governments have been advised to give priority to carbon neutrality when constructing new greenfield airports. The Ministry emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability into infrastructure development, aligning with India’s broader environmental goals. India has completed the construction of 12 greenfield airports over the last decade, and 48 new airstrips have been added since 2014.
Airports in major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, have already received accreditation from the Airports Council International as Level 4+ facilities, which signifies their status as carbon-neutral airports. The ACI, a global organization aimed at promoting best practices in airport management and operations, represents over 2,000 international airports worldwide. The fact sheet also highlights that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has implemented solar power plants at several airports, supporting the generation and use of renewable energy.
These solar installations contribute directly to the airports’ energy needs, helping to reduce their dependence on conventional power sources. In addition to the use of solar power, many airports have begun procuring green energy from the open market, further advancing India’s sustainability agenda. Since 2014, a total of 73 airports have transitioned to using 100% green energy for their operations, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to promote clean energy in the aviation sector. This carbon accounting framework is expected to play a crucial role in supporting India’s ambitious environmental targets, as the country continues to develop its aviation infrastructure while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.