A Strategic Shift Toward Sustainable Aviation
Istanbul Airport has once again proven its determination to lead the aviation sector with its newly released 2024 Sustainability Report. Built on the principle of using technology to serve both people and the environment, the airport has embedded sustainability at the very core of its operations.
By adopting a Double Materiality analysis, the airport demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that balances financial performance with real-world environmental and social impacts. This dual lens is increasingly being recognized as a best practice for organisations aiming to integrate sustainability into long-term strategies.
Greenhouse Gas Reductions and Energy Goals
One of the report’s most striking achievements is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 1.4 percent compared to the previous year and a 10.5 percent drop below projections. Such progress strengthens the airport’s ambition of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
In parallel, renewable energy commitments have been raised substantially. The airport has revised its 2030 target from 50 percent renewable energy use to an impressive 90 percent. This is not just incremental progress; it represents a complete recalibration of what is possible in aviation sustainability.
The Solar Power Revolution in Aviation
Central to this transformation is the Eskişehir Solar Power Plant project. With a massive 3 million square meters under development and a €212 million investment, the project is poised to change the energy narrative for major airports. Once fully operational in 2025, the plant will generate 340 million kilowatt-hours of energy annually.
This milestone will position Istanbul Airport as the first major international airport to fully meet its electricity demand through solar energy alone. Such a precedent challenges the industry to rethink what large-scale renewable integration can look like in high-demand transport hubs.
Preparing for Climate Resilience
Sustainability is not limited to reducing emissions and generating renewable energy. The airport is also looking decades ahead to safeguard its operations against the risks of climate change.
In collaboration with the TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center, the Istanbul Airport Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan has been launched. By using regional climate simulations, the project explores the future impact of climate change on airport operations. This proactive stance highlights the importance of coupling scientific research with practical resilience measures.
A Holistic Vision for Aviation Transformation
The CEO, Selahattin Bilgen, has emphasized that sustainability is not merely a communication tool but a learning journey. His vision reflects a multifaceted approach that combines environmental responsibility with social value.
Projects are not limited to carbon reductions. They also focus on employee engagement, community development, and sector-wide partnerships. This reinforces the understanding that sustainability in aviation extends well beyond aircraft and runways. It touches communities, workforce development, and inclusivity.
Advancing Training and Knowledge Sharing
The report underscores the importance of developing human capital. The iGA Academy hosted over 20,000 training sessions in 2024, achieving satisfaction rates above 95 percent. The establishment of the Academy’s Stakeholder Advisory Board further strengthens sector partnerships, enabling knowledge exchange at a global scale.
By prioritising skill-building and creating advisory structures, Istanbul Airport demonstrates how training initiatives can shape the aviation workforce of the future while keeping sustainability at the forefront.
Enhancing Passenger Experience with Inclusivity
Sustainability is closely tied to social responsibility, and Istanbul Airport has made commendable progress in this domain. Its customer experience maturity score increased significantly between 2022 and 2024, thanks to inclusive service enhancements.
Features such as Silent Rooms, the rebranded Special Guest Rooms, and accessibility functions within the mobile app are designed to make air travel more independent and welcoming for passengers with diverse needs. This represents a modern rethinking of airports as inclusive spaces rather than simply transit points.
Circular Waste and Water Management
The report highlights innovative practices in waste and water management. Daily waste sorting reached an average of 164 tons, with over one third successfully recycled. The installation of smart sensors in waste bins demonstrates the integration of technology into sustainability efforts, reducing emissions associated with collection.
Water reuse initiatives also made significant strides, with 27 percent of total consumption met through reclaimed water. The commissioning of reverse osmosis systems reflects a commitment to circular water management, ensuring that resources are used responsibly in an industry often criticised for its environmental footprint.
Beyond an Airport – Toward a Global Model
What makes the Istanbul Airport approach particularly powerful is its vision to transcend traditional airport expectations. By signing the Aviation4All Declaration and aligning with global peers, the airport is signaling that aviation transformation requires collaborative, system-wide action.
The initiatives outlined in the 2024 Sustainability Report are not isolated achievements but part of a larger ambition to shape the future of aviation. By aligning climate action, renewable energy, inclusivity, and stakeholder collaboration, the airport has positioned itself as a blueprint for what the next generation of sustainable transport infrastructure can be.
Conclusion
The Istanbul Airport 2024 Sustainability Report is more than a set of commitments. It is a statement of intent that the aviation sector can grow while embracing responsibility toward the planet and people.
Its combination of emission reductions, groundbreaking solar energy development, climate adaptation planning, and inclusive service delivery reflects a new paradigm for airports worldwide. Professionals across the sustainability sector can take inspiration from this example and apply similar integrated approaches within their own industries.
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