New Delhi [India]: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced that Hubballi Airport in Karnataka has been honoured with the Platinum Recognition—the highest accolade in the Green Airports Recognition 2025 by the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East.
The award, presented in the “Sustainable Energy at Airports” category for airports handling fewer than 6 million passengers annually, was declared during the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition held in New Delhi on April 16. Rajesh Nilkanth Shinde, Executive Director (Technical), received the award on behalf of AAI Chairman.
This recognition highlights AAI’s 8 MW solar power plant at Hubballi Airport—commissioned in December 2022—a landmark project in renewable energy deployment. The first of its kind in India, the plant supplies solar energy not just to Hubballi, but also to Belagavi and Mysuru airports, with plans to power additional upcoming terminals in Karnataka.
The solar facility generates over 11 million units of clean electricity annually, and is projected to reduce 215,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over its lifetime. This move underscores AAI’s strategy to lead in green, energy-efficient airport operations and reflects India’s broader goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
AAI noted that this Platinum Recognition affirms its commitment to sustainable infrastructure and environmental stewardship, as it continues to push boundaries in eco-friendly aviation innovation.