Airports—Energy and Sustainability Perspectives

Musadag El Zein (), Taghi Karimipanah and Arman Ameen
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Musadag El Zein: Department of Building Engineering, Energy Systems and Sustainable Science, Faculty of Engineering and Sustainable Development, University of Gävle, SE-80176 Gävle, Sweden
Taghi Karimipanah: Department of Building Engineering, Energy Systems and Sustainable Science, Faculty of Engineering and Sustainable Development, University of Gävle, SE-80176 Gävle, Sweden
Arman Ameen: Department of Building Engineering, Energy Systems and Sustainable Science, Faculty of Engineering and Sustainable Development, University of Gävle, SE-80176 Gävle, Sweden

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 6, 1-26

Abstract: This study explored the role of airports in the aviation sector from both energy and sustainability perspectives, highlighting their potential contribution to reducing the sector’s carbon emissions. The methodology involved a literature review and a questionnaire distributed to both airports and aviation organizations. The results from these approaches indicated varying focuses on tackling the subject. The literature review results indicated a clear preference in the papers for SAF solutions over the development of more environmentally friendly airports. Adoption of 100% SAF in aircraft is still in its early stages of development and can be considered a long-term goal because it requires heavy engineering intervention and alteration of aircraft engines. The transition of airports’ infrastructures, on the other hand, can be visualized as a feasible and attainable goal and hence should be considered a short-term goal to attain. Many airports, including respondents to the questionnaire, have already worked on their infrastructure; however, they also expressed concerns about the lack of enabling policies and incentives. Other action steps, such as close collaborations among stakeholders, enhancing research and development, and government support, were also seen as significant for establishing greener airports. The literature results indicate a major research gap in a significant integral part of the aviation sector (i.e., greener airports). It is therefore important that member states collaborate and work closely with key organizations such as ICAO, IATA, and the UN through the latter’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to breach this research gap and establish more sustainable airports in the near future.

Keywords: airports; aviation sector; carbon emissions; renewable energy; SAF; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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