Cypriot, Greek, Romanian, Serbian, Turkish airports commit to net-zero emissions by 2050

Cypriot, Greek, Romanian, Serbian and Turkish airports are among 194, operated by 40 airport operators across 24 countries, that have signed a landmark commitment to become net zero for their carbon emissions by 2050.

The signatories include Hermes Airports (Larnaka and Pafos Airports), Athens International Airport, Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport, TAV Airports (Izmir-Adnan Menderes and Ankara-Esenboga Airports), and Vinci Airports (including Belgrade Airport).

This net-zero commitment will eliminate a total of 3.46 million tons of annual CO2 emissions as of 2050

The resolution was signed at the 29th Airports Council International (ACI EUROPE) Annual Congress in Cyprus – the annual gathering for airport CEOs and senior level airline representatives across Europe, the ACI EUROPE said in a press release.

The 194 airports undersigning the industry commitment welcomed 62.5% of European air passenger traffic through their doors last year. This net-zero commitment will eliminate a total of 3.46 million tons of annual CO2 emissions as of 2050.

The deadline of 2050 is aligned with the latest IPCC evidence and the decarbonization strategy set out by the European Commission and adopted by the Council of the European Union.

Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, said that the IPCC Special Report from last October is unequivocal about the need to achieve net zero emissions by mid-century.

“We need all sectors of society working towards this ultimate goal. It is, therefore, encouraging to see the airport industry voluntarily raising its ambitions and we look forward to working with this vital sector,” she said.

Michael Kerkloh, President of ACI EUROPE and CEO of Munich Airport, said that 43 Europe’s airports have actually become carbon neutral, supported by the global industry standard Airport Carbon Accreditation.

“With its NetZero2050 commitment, the airport industry is aligning itself with the Paris Agreement and the new Climate goal adopted just last week by the EU,” he said.

The Resolution remains open to additional signatories.