Sustainability Drive at İGA Istanbul Airport: 2030 Renewable Energy Target Increased to 90%

İGA Istanbul Airport is steadily advancing toward its ‘Net Zero Emissions’ goal by 2050. Having completed its 2024 emissions 10.5% below year-end projections, İGA has raised its 2030 renewable energy usage target from 50% to 90%.

Emissions Fall Below Expectations

Through its 2024 Sustainability Report, İGA Istanbul Airport shared its environmental, social, and economic contributions with the public. The report was prepared using a double materiality analysis, considering both stakeholder feedback and financial impacts.

The airport closed 2024 greenhouse gas emissions 1.4% lower than the previous year and 10.5% lower than the year-end forecast, marking a significant milestone toward the 2050 Net Zero Emissions goal.

Global Leadership Ambition in Renewable Energy

İGA raised its renewable energy target for 2030 from 50% to 90%. As part of this effort, a 199.32 MW Solar Power Plant (SPP) was established in Eskişehir with an investment of €212 million and will become operational in the last quarter of 2025.

Built on approximately 3 million square meters, the plant will produce 340 million kWh of energy annually. Consequently, İGA Istanbul Airport will become the first major airport in the world to source all its electricity from solar energy.

Scientific Preparation for Climate Resilience

In collaboration with TÜBİTAK MAM, the “Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan” analyses operational risks through regional climate simulations. Long-term adaptation strategies are being developed to enhance the airport’s resilience to climate conditions.

CEO Selahattin Bilgen: “We Are Not Just an Airport, But a Vision Centre”

Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of İGA Istanbul Airport, emphasized the airport’s sustainability vision:

“At İGA Istanbul Airport, we contribute to building a sustainable future across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. While conducting our operations without compromising safety, we continue to reduce our carbon footprint, increase energy efficiency, and generate social benefits. Thanks to this holistic approach, we are not just an airport but a vision centre shaping the living spaces of the future.”

Highlights from the 2024 Sustainability Report

• Education and Human Resources: 20,494 training sessions at İGA Academy, 95% satisfaction rate; every 1 TL invested generated 2.51 TL in social benefit.

• Customer Experience: Customer experience maturity level rose from 3.73 to 4.04 through Experience Principles.

• Waste Management: 164 tons of waste separated daily, achieving a 34% recycling rate.

• Water Management: 27% of water consumption in 2024 was sourced from reclaimed water.