"Earth Hour" at Athens International Airport

Athens Airport declares its “presence” in “Earth Hour” for the thirteenth year!

On Saturday, March 23, 2023, Athens Airport, in a symbolic gesture, will suspend the operation of one of its two runways (western runway, 03L/21R and its taxiways) from 20:30 to 21:30, turning off the lights and participating in the global WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) initiative “Earth Hour”.

During the same period, lighting will also be reduced in the airport buildings, in the staff vehicle parking areas and in other selected areas of the infrastructure.

Announcements will be made continuously at the Central Terminal to inform the public about the global WWF mobilization and the active participation of Athens Airport, in an effort to raise awareness among citizens on the issue of climate change. Finally, the official video of the “Earth Hour” initiative will be shown on screens in the Central Terminal. At the same time, AIA encourages all airport staff to contribute individually to “Earth Hour” by reducing or turning off the lights at home. The IKEA store, the Sofitel hotel, and many other members of the airport community also participate in this symbolic movement for climate change.

Airport and Climate Change

In 2023, AIA was certified for the 4+ “Transition” stage of the voluntary program for the Management & Reduction of Airport Carbon Emissions (Airport Carbon Accreditation) of the Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe), strengthening cooperation with Third Parties and the commitment to reduce their emissions, as well as calculating additional sources of indirect emissions.

As part of AIA's commitment to zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, following the completion of the first phase of the 16 MW photovoltaic park, plans are progressing for the construction of a 35.5 MW photovoltaic park within the airport area, which will include an 82 MWh battery energy storage system.

Plans are also progressing to replace natural gas consumption with heat pumps, as well as to phase out AIA's entire fleet (apart from heavy-duty vehicles) by replacing all company vehicles with electric vehicles, while also planning the necessary charging infrastructure.

 
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