AAI's Hubballi airport awarded with Platinum Recognition in ACI's Green Airports Recognition 2025

New Delhi, April 24: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Thursday announced that Hubballi Airport in Karnataka has been awarded the Platinum Recognition--the highest level of honour--in the Green Airports Recognition 2025 by Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East.

Hubballi Airport was awarded in the category "Sustainable Energy at Airports" among airports handling less than 6 million passengers per annum, according to a release.

This prestigious honour was declared during the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition held in New Delhi on April 16, and the award was received by Rajesh Nilkanth Shinde, Executive Director (Technical), AAI, on behalf of the Chairman, AAI.

The recognition celebrates AAI's innovative 8 MW solar power plant project commissioned at Hubballi Airport in December 2022, which has been a pioneering step towards energy self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability. The plant is the first of its kind in India to supply renewable energy to multiple airports within a state, including Hubballi, Belagavi, and Mysuru airports, with plans to extend to upcoming airport terminals in Karnataka, the release said.

The solar power plant is capable of generating over 11 million units of clean electricity annually, contributing to an estimated lifetime reduction of 215,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. This initiative aligns with AAI's strategic vision of promoting green and energy-efficient airport operations by adopting innovative practices across its airports, thereby strengthening India's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

The Platinum Recognition by ACI stands as a testament to AAI's unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable infrastructure development, the release added.

Reader Comments

P

Priya M.

This is amazing news! 👏 Hubballi airport leading the way in sustainable aviation. More Indian airports should follow this model. The solar power initiative is truly inspiring!

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Rahul K.

While this is impressive, I wonder about the maintenance costs of such large solar installations. Hope AAI has a solid plan to keep these systems running efficiently long-term.

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Sanjay P.

As someone from Karnataka, I'm so proud! Our state is really stepping up in renewable energy. The fact that this powers multiple airports is genius.

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Ananya T.

The numbers are staggering - 215,000 tonnes of carbon reduction! This is exactly the kind of innovation we need to fight climate change. Kudos to the team behind this project! 🌱

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Vikram S.

Great achievement, but I hope this isn't just for show. Would love to see regular updates on actual energy production and carbon savings to ensure the project delivers as promised.

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Meera J.

The fact that this was recognized internationally makes it even more special. India showing the world how to do sustainable aviation right! ✈️☀️

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