Baku airport receives international certificate in global carbon accreditation

Heydar Aliyev International Airport has received Level 3 accreditation under the global Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme.

According to Caliber.Az, the airport's press service stated that this achievement reflects international recognition for its systematic work in managing and reducing carbon emissions, as well as its sustainable cooperation with partners in the field of environmental responsibility.

The ACA programme, established by Airports Council International (ACI), is the only international accreditation system that evaluates airports’ carbon emissions management activities. The programme is based on independent audits and confirms airports’ performance in energy efficiency, operational responsibility, and emissions reduction.

Heydar Aliyev International Airport reinforced this achievement through its Green Airport initiative and the implementation of international standards for environmental and energy management systems. The airport already holds ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) and ISO 50001:2018 (Energy Management System) certificates, confirming its institutional level of environmental responsibility.

“This achievement is not just a technical milestone, but a strategic step towards creating a more responsible and sustainable airport model. We perceive sustainable development not as a reporting indicator, but as a philosophy of activity. The principles of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility underlie each of our operational decisions,” said Teymur Hasanov, Director of Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

ACI EUROPE Director General Olivier Jankovec congratulated Heydar Aliyev International Airport on achieving Level 3 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, noting that it was an impressive result accomplished just one year after joining the global carbon management initiative.

He said that, as Azerbaijan’s busiest airport, it serves as a leader in carbon management within its sub-region by actively engaging airlines, ground services, and other partners in efforts to reduce emissions. Jankovec extended his congratulations to the entire team and expressed his anticipation of further achievements as the airport continues its journey toward net zero emissions.

Level 3 accreditation covers not only direct airport operations but also involves cooperation with partners such as ground services, transport operators and other participants in operational processes for emissions management. With this achievement, Heydar Aliyev International Airport has become the first airport in the Caspian region and Central Asia to receive accreditation at this level.

To date, 614 airports in 91 countries have been accredited under the ACA programme. These airports serve more than half of the world’s passenger traffic. The inclusion of Heydar Aliyev International Airport in this prestigious list confirms its commitment to international environmental obligations and adherence to global standards of sustainable development.

By Sabina Mammadli