Mumbai airport among 30 global airports to secure top carbon accreditation
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has secured the prestigious ACA Level 5 accreditation, recognising its net-zero emissions for direct operations and long-term decarbonisation plan.
Mumbai Airport has been awarded the top ACA Level 5 rating for achieving net-zero emissions in its direct operations and outlining a verified long-term carbon reduction plan.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai has been awarded Level 5 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme, placing it among 30 airports worldwide and among four in India to receive the highest rating for carbon management.
Besides Mumbai, the three other Indian airports which have been awarded ACA Level 5 are Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad; and Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The accreditation confirms that the airport has achieved net-zero emissions for its direct operations (Scope 1 and 2) and has a verified plan to reduce indirect Scope 3 emissions by 2050. ACA Level 5 assesses long-term decarbonisation strategies, data accuracy and actual reductions achieved.
According to Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), the operator of CSMIA, the airport’s reduction has been driven by its shift to 100 per cent renewable electricity since August 2022, upgrades in energy systems, and a full transition to an electric vehicle fleet. CSMIA reported Scope 1 emissions of 566.3 tCO2e in FY2025 and zero emissions under Scope 2.
A spokesperson for MIAL said the accreditation reflects the airport’s effort to integrate sustainability into operations and its intent to continue expanding low-carbon systems.
Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, said the airport’s progress aligns with the sector’s net-zero goal for 2050, noting that seven airports in the region have now reached ACA Level 5.
Mumbai airport’s carbon strategy is overseen by a cross-functional committee and supported by its updated ESG policy introduced in May this year. The airport has reported more than a 98 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since FY2022, largely due to energy efficiency measures and the replacement of older equipment with electric or low-emission alternatives.
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In December 2024, Mumbai airport also became the first airport in India to receive Level 5 accreditation for Airport Customer Experience from Airports Council International.
Naresh S is a Trainee Correspondent with The Indian Express, based out of Mumbai. A graduate of Xavier’s Institute of Communication (XIC), he has an avid interest in civic issues and policy-related domains. At present, he reports on the transport sector, covering suburban railways, BEST bus serives and aviation with a propensity for in-depth analyses and researched-focused reportage.
Core Coverage Areas:
Naresh reports on Mumbai’s urban mobility and public systems, with a focus on transport infrastructure, commuter safety, and policy execution. His reporting is research-driven and data-backed, aimed at explaining how large public systems function or fail, for everyday commuters.
Transport (Primary Beat):
His main beat is transport, covering Mumbai’s suburban railways and BEST bus services. His reportage in this domain spans detailed coverage of events like the Mumbra train accident and its safety implications, as well as follow-up reporting on long-standing gaps such as the delayed implementation of automatic doors on Mumbai local trains. He also tracks infrastructure projects, operational disruptions, and policy decisions affecting daily commuters, often through explainer-style stories.
Aviation (Secondary Beat):
Naresh also covers aviation and airport infrastructure, including reporting on the Navi Mumbai International Airport project. His aviation coverage has included the IndiGo flight disruptions in December 2025, focusing on passenger impact, regulatory response, and systemic issues within civil aviation operations. ... Read More
