The Athens International Airport (AIA), Greece’s main gateway, achieved Net Zero status in 2025 — 25 years ahead of the aviation industry’s 2050 target. This accomplishment was made possible by the completion of its ambitious Route 2025 decarbonization program, which was launched in 2019.
Backed by a €70 million investment from EU Recovery and Resilience and NextGenerationEU funds, the program prioritized eliminating direct emissions rather than relying on offsets. AIA now produces 100% of its electricity on-site from renewable energy, primarily through two photovoltaic parks totaling 51.5 MWp. These parks are supported by an 82 MWh battery storage system that enables full energy self-consumption.
Additional measures included the electrification of the airport’s vehicle fleet, the replacement of natural gas boilers with high-temperature heat pumps, and the deployment of digital energy management systems.
AIA’s successful early decarbonisation stands as a symbol of green growth, innovation, and sustainable tourism, helping pave the way towards a more environmentally friendly future.
