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For the twelfth year, Athens International Airport joins WWF's global initiative “Earth Hour” on Saturday, March 25th. The airport will switch off the lighting of its western runway system (03L/21R), interrupting its operation for one hour, between 20:30 – 21:30 (local time). 

At the same time, lighting in the airport buildings, staff parking lots and other selected airport areas will be reduced. This year, the official Earth Hour video will be played on displays in the main terminal to increase the awareness of both passengers and employees.

Aiming to contribute to public awareness regarding the issue of climate change, announcements in the airport’s terminal will be made, informing passengers and visitors about the WWF’s global mobilization and the active participation of Athens International Airport. The Airport Company also encourages all its employees to participate from home, by dimming or shutting off their lights. Sofitel, Shell, and other members of the airport community will be participating in this symbolic action to address the threat of climate change.

Athens International Airport remains the only Carbon Neutral airport in Greece and has zeroed out its carbon footprint entirely since 2015 becoming accredited from Airport Carbon Accreditation a global, voluntary initiative of Airports Council International – Europe. In this context, the Airport Company has reduced its carbon footprint by more than 60% since 2005, despite the considerable traffic increase and thanks to the operational and infrastructure interventions.

In December 2019, AIA announced its Route 2025 initiative, for net zero carbon in 2025. In this respect, the Action program for the clean energy production within the airport through photovoltaic parks, aimed at self-production and self-consumption, is already being implemented covering 100% of AIA electricity needs, which corresponds to 83% of the current carbon footprint.

In the meantime, actions are taken for the reduction and ultimately zeroing out of the 17% of the carbon footprint which corresponds to the direct emissions due to fuel consumption (through initiatives such as use of electric vehicles, biodiesel, heat pumps, etc.).

NOTE: 

Closure of the western runway system will NOT impact Athens International Airport’s operations; closure will take place following special planning for the one-hour duration of the action. All flights will be serviced on the airport’s eastern runway according to schedule.  Reduction of lighting at the selected facilities will be done in full compliance with safety provisions for passengers, visitors, and staff.

 

 

 

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