Charting a Greener Course: The Regulatory Framework for Sustainable Aviation in India and its Impact on the Future of the Industry

Ready for takeoff towards a greener tomorrow? Join us as we explore how airports are reducing their environmental impact and paving the way for a greener tomorrow.

The Growth of the Aviation Industry in India and Its Impact on the Environment

The aviation business is critical to the country's financial and economic development because it not only transports inhabitants and cargo from one location to another but also contributes to the country's infrastructure, economic development, and financial development. 

However, the aviation industry contributes to increasing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, noise pollution, land use and habitat disruption, water usage, waste generation, and energy consumption. These environmental concerns arise due to the growth of the aviation sector and require sustainable practices and technologies to mitigate their impacts.

A 2024 ICCT report analyzed over 1,300 airports (99% of global passenger traffic) and found airport-related operations contributed ~45% of aviation CO2 in 2019, with the US at 175+ million metric tons and China at 90+ million—projections still hold China overtaking the US by 2050. India's aviation market, now the world's third-largest domestically, operates 160+ airports (including heliports/water aerodromes) as of 2025, up from 148 in 2023. Domestic passenger traffic hit a record 586,664 in a single day on November 19, 2025, per MoCA data. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjaparu noted this growth at recent UDAN events, stressing sustainability amid expansion.

The Regulatory Framework for Sustainable Aviation in India and Globally

India's framework balances aviation growth with environmental protection, involving MoCA, DGCA, AAI, and global bodies like ICAO.

MoCA oversees policy via the 2016 National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), updated through 2025 initiatives for green airports, regional connectivity (UDAN), and alternative fuels. MoCA controls DGCA (air safety/operations), BCAS (security with green guidelines like energy-efficient tech), and PSUs like AAI.

AAI's Environmental Policy targets emissions cuts via renewables and efficiency. ICAO's CORSIA offsets international flight CO2: Pilot (2021-2023, voluntary), First (2024-2026, voluntary), Second (2027 onwards, mandatory). India joined the First Phase voluntarily in 2024 (after skipping Pilot) and commits to Second Phase; offsets use SAF or credits.

India advances SAF via MoPNG's Bio-ATF Committee; a 2025 policy mandates 1% SAF blending from 2027, rising to 5% by 2030. Airbus/Boeing target 100% SAF compatibility by 2030. MoCA's 2025 Green Airports Initiative promotes solar, EVs, and waste-to-energy.

Sustainable Airport Management Practices

Airports adopt practices to slash emissions amid regulations.

Carbon Management Plans
These outline long-term reductions. SAF cuts lifecycle CO2 by up to 80%. AAI's solar capacity exceeds 100 MWp across 20+ airports by 2025, generating ~100 million units yearly (40%+ of needs); Cochin remains the world's first fully solar-powered airport. Delhi's IGI Airport hit net-zero electricity in 2024 via solar/wind.

Energy-Efficient Lighting and HVAC
LEDs and VAV systems cut energy 20-30%. Indian examples: Mumbai's CSMIA saved 15% via LEDs/HVAC upgrades (2024 AAI report); Hyderabad's RGIA uses smart systems for 25% savings.

Carbon Sequestration Strategies
AAI airports plant 1+ million trees since 2020, sequestering thousands of tons. Initiatives like CCS pilots and waste-oil SAF (e.g., Praj Industries' 2025 facility) aim for 20-50% offsets.

Alternative Transportation Options
E- vehicles (e.g., IndiGo/Air India's 2025 EV tugs at major hubs) and eVTOL trials under UDAN reduce ground emissions. Electric aircraft demos (e.g., India’s 2025 civil eVTOL policy) promise further cuts.

India's aviation will fuel prosperity if sustainability scales via policy and investment.

Get in touch with Carbon Mandal's sustainable consultancy team today to start developing an airport that is environmentally sustainable. Together, we can take a crucial step towards making India a greener place to live and work.

References

  1. ]ICCT, "Airport CO2 Emissions 2024 Update" (2024). . icct.org/publication/airport-co2-emissions-2024icct.org/publication/airport-co2-emissions-2024
  2. AAICLAS Annual Report 2024-25. https://aaiclas.aero/annualreport
  3. MoCA, UDAN Update (2025). https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/migration/UDAN-Manual.pdf
  4. ICAO CORSIA Status (2025). icao.int/environmental-protection/CORSIA/Pages/status-participation-states.aspx
  5. PIB, "SAF Blending Policy" (2025). https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2163273
  6. MoCA Green Airports (2025). https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/ministry-documents/policies-document/guidelines-setting-greenfield-airports
  7. IATA, SAF Guide (2025). https://www.iata.org/contentassets/d13875e9ed784f75bac90f000760e998/saf-handbook.pdf
  8. AAI Sustainability Report 2025. https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/aaiupload/Sugam%202-Report_Final%202025%20-%20Clean%20pdf.pdf
  9. GMR, IGI Net-Zero Airport. http://gmrgroup.in/blog/Net-Zero-Airport.aspx
  10. DGCA eVTOL https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rammnk_evtol-aam-urbanmobility-activity-7239501643761795073-BPdB/