The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has undertaken significant initiatives to advance carbon neutrality and achieve net zero carbon emissions at airports across India. This involves the standardisation of the Carbon Accounting and Reporting framework for Indian airports. Airport operators with scheduled operations are encouraged to assess and map carbon emissions at their respective airports, working progressively toward carbon neutrality and net zero emissions. The MoCA has also advised upcoming Greenfield Airports and relevant State Governments to strive for Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero, emphasising the utilisation of green energy.
As a result of these concerted efforts by the Modi government, airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru have attained Level 4+ and higher Airports International Council (ACI) Accreditation, marking their achievement of carbon neutrality. 66 Indian airports are presently operating on 100% green energy.
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Gen. (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retd), informed in a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha. Singh also emphasised that there are currently 14 airports in the country operating under Public Private Partnership (PPP). These airports, leased by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), are aimed at improving airport infrastructure and facilities by leveraging private sector efficiency and investment. The revenue generated from these leased airports is subsequently reinvested by AAI to foster the development of airport infrastructure nationwide.
Greenfield Airports in India
The government of India granted ‘In-Principle’ approval for the establishment of 21 new Greenfield Airports across various states. These airports include Mopa in Goa, Navi Mumbai, Shirdi, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Hassan, and Shivamogga in Karnataka, Dabra (Gwalior) in Madhya Pradesh, Kushinagar, and Noida (Jewar) in Uttar Pradesh, Dholera, and Hirasar in Gujarat, Karaikal in Puducherry, Dagadarthi, Bhogapuram, and Orvakal (Kurnool) in Andhra Pradesh, Durgapur in West Bengal, Pakyong in Sikkim, Kannur in Kerala, and Hollongi (Itanagar) in Arunachal Pradesh.