Hubballi Airport Wins Platinum Honour for Green Initiatives

Why in the News?

Hubballi Airport in Karnataka has been awarded the Platinum Recognition—the highest honour—under the Green Airports Recognition 2025 by Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East. This achievement highlights the airport’s excellence in promoting sustainable energy practices among airports handling fewer than six million passengers annually.

Hubballi Airport, operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), has made a major leap in sustainability by winning the Platinum Honour at the ACI Green Airports Recognition 2025. The award, presented during the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly held in New Delhi, recognizes the airport’s outstanding initiatives in the “Sustainable Energy at Airports” category. AAI’s innovative 8 MW solar power plant at Hubballi, commissioned in 2022, plays a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting green energy across multiple airports in Karnataka, making it a landmark achievement in India’s journey towards net-zero emissions.

The Award Recognition

• Hubballi Airport was honoured with Platinum Recognition, the highest level of achievement, at the ACI Green Airports Recognition 2025.
• The award falls under the category of “Sustainable Energy at Airports” for airports with fewer than six million passengers annually.

Award Ceremony Details

• The award was presented at the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition held in New Delhi on April 16, 2025.
• Rajesh Nilkanth Shinde, Executive Director (Technical), accepted the award on behalf of AAI.

The Solar Power Project

• AAI commissioned an 8 MW solar power plant at Hubballi Airport in December 2022.
• It is India’s first solar plant designed to supply clean energy to multiple airports—namely Hubballi, Belagavi, and Mysuru airports.
• The plant will also support future terminals in Karnataka, emphasizing long-term expansion and sustainability.

Impact on Environment and Sustainability

• The plant generates over 11 million units of clean electricity each year.
• It is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 215,000 tonnes over its lifetime.
• This initiative supports AAI’s and India’s vision for green, energy-efficient, and net-zero carbon operations.

Strategic Significance

• The award validates AAI’s commitment to building sustainable infrastructure and promoting environmental stewardship.
• It highlights India’s proactive steps toward achieving global climate goals through clean energy innovations in aviation.