104 Indian Airports Now Powered Entirely by Renewable Energy, Says Civil Aviation Minister

New Delhi, July 2026 : Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Monday announced that 104 airports across India are now operating on 100 per cent renewable energy, marking a major milestone in the country’s journey towards sustainable aviation and its long-term climate goals.

Sharing the achievement on social media platform X, the minister said the transformation reflects the Centre’s commitment to promoting clean energy and environmentally responsible infrastructure under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“104 Indian airports are now powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, up from zero in 2014. New India is walking the talk on sustainability, advancing towards the Net Zero by 2070 target set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Ram Mohan Naidu posted.

The milestone signifies that these airports are meeting their entire operational electricity requirements through renewable sources. The clean energy mix includes electricity generated from on-site solar power plants as well as renewable energy procured through long-term agreements, including hydropower and other green energy sources.

The aviation sector has witnessed a steady transition towards renewable energy over the past decade as part of the government’s broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable infrastructure.

One of the landmark achievements came in June 2022, when Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport became the first airport in India to meet its entire electricity demand through renewable energy. According to Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), nearly 6 per cent of the airport’s electricity is generated through its own solar installations, while the remaining 94 per cent comes from a long-term hydropower purchase agreement. The initiative is expected to reduce indirect carbon emissions by nearly 200,000 tonnes annually.

Another global benchmark was set by Cochin International Airport, which became the world’s first fully solar-powered airport in 2015 after commissioning its large-scale solar power project. Since then, the airport has significantly expanded its solar generation capacity and earned international recognition for its pioneering efforts in environmental sustainability.

The latest announcement builds on the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s progress reported in June 2026, when more than 88 airports had already switched to 100 per cent green energy. The rapid expansion to 104 airports highlights the pace at which renewable energy adoption is taking place across India’s aviation network.

The government has set an ambitious target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions across all Indian airports by 2030, making aviation a key contributor to India’s broader climate commitments.

The transition to renewable energy is expected not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to improve energy efficiency, lower operational costs over the long term and strengthen India’s position as a global leader in sustainable airport infrastructure.