Athens International Airport participates in WWF’s “Earth Hour”

The airport will switch off the lighting of its western runway system (03L/21R), suspending 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 areas of the airport will be reduced. 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 official Earth Hour video will also be played on displays in the main terminal. The Airport Company also encourages all its employees to participate from home, by dimming or shutting off their lights. A significant number of stores in the airport’s Retail Park will also participate in Earth Hour 2026, along with many other members of the airport community.

Athens International Airport and Climate Change

Since 2009, AIA has been participating in Airport Carbon Accreditation, a global, voluntary initiative of Airports Council International – Europe, for managing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023, AIA upgraded its certification to Level 4+ of the program, strengthening cooperation with Third Parties and their commitment to emission reduction, as well as estimating emissions from additional sources.

Furthermore, as part of AIA’s commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2025 under the «Route 2025 initiative», a new 35.5 MWp photovoltaic station has been constructed within the airport grounds and is currently fully operational. In conjunction with the existing 16 MWp PV station, this allows AIA to generate renewable electricity sufficient to cover the company’s electricity needs. Self-consumption is maximized through the utilization of an 82 MWh battery storage system.

AIA has also invested in transitioning from natural gas heating systems to high-efficiency heat pump technology. Simultaneously, the airport fleet (excluding heavy duty and special vehicles) has been replaced by electric vehicles, with the necessary charging infrastructure installed.

Regarding residual emissions of 2025, AIA purchases carbon removals, ensuring a net-zero greenhouse gas balance and maintaining its Stage 4+ ACA certification.

Finally, since 2021, AIA has been participating in the EU-funded project STARGATE: SusTainable AiRports, the Green heArT of Europe, in cooperation with the airports of Brussels, Budapest and Toulouse. AIA has undertaken a series of projects addressing climate, mobility and circularity.