Jaipur Airport wins Silver at ACI Green Airports Recognition 2026
Synopsis
Jaipur International Airport's 'Cool Terminal' upgrade — high-performance glass, insulated roofing, and on-site solar — has cut HVAC energy use by 35% and surface temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius. That engineering bet just earned it Silver at ACI's Asia-Pacific and Middle East Green Airports Recognition 2026, making JIAL one of the region's most credentialled climate-adaptive airports.
Key Takeaways
Jaipur International Airport Limited (JIAL) received Silver Recognition at the ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East Green Airports Recognition 2026 under the theme 'Climate Change Adaptation'.
The 'Cool Terminal' initiative at Terminal 2 reduced HVAC energy consumption by nearly 35% and lowered surface temperatures by 6–10 degrees Celsius .
Sustainability measures have delivered an annual reduction of more than 200 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions .
JIAL handled more than 5.75 million passengers in FY27 with nearly 120 daily air traffic movements across 776 acres .
The airport also holds ACI Level 3 accreditation (May 2025) and a 'Zero Waste to Landfill' accolade from CII–ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development .
Jaipur International Airport Limited (JIAL) has been awarded Silver Recognition at the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East Green Airports Recognition 2026, under the theme 'Climate Change Adaptation'. The honour recognises the airport's measurable strides in climate resilience and environmentally responsible operations at one of India's fastest-growing aviation hubs.
The Cool Terminal Initiative
Situated in a semi-arid zone prone to intense heat waves, Jaipur International Airport developed a 'Cool Terminal' ecosystem designed to simultaneously cut energy consumption and improve passenger comfort. Terminal 2 was retrofitted with high-performance glass and insulated roofing to curb indoor heat gain. These structural upgrades were paired with energy-efficient cooling systems and on-site solar power generation.
The combined effect has been a reduction in HVAC energy consumption by nearly 35% and a drop in surface temperatures by 6–10 degrees Celsius — a significant outcome given Rajasthan's extreme summer conditions.
Carbon Footprint and Environmental Impact
Beyond thermal management, JIAL's broader sustainability programme has delivered an annual reduction of more than 200 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions. This aligns with India's national climate commitments and its obligations under international environmental frameworks. Notably, the airport had already achieved ACI Level 3 accreditation from Airports Council International in May 2025, signalling a sustained, multi-year commitment rather than a one-off effort.
What the Airport Said
A spokesperson for Jaipur International Airport Limited said, 'This global recognition from ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East is a significant milestone for Jaipur International Airport and reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and climate resilience. It reinforces our strategic focus on developing a future-ready, environmentally responsible airport. We remain dedicated to advancing initiatives that create a passenger-centric infrastructure while upholding our responsibility towards the planet.'
Scale and Other Recognitions
Rajasthan's busiest airport, JIAL handled more than 5.75 million passengers in FY27 and records nearly 120 air traffic movements daily across its 776-acre campus. The airport operates on a digital-first model focused on technology-driven passenger experience. It has also received the 'Zero Waste to Landfill' accolade from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)–ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development, rounding out a strong sustainability portfolio.
With the ACI Silver Recognition now added to its credentials, JIAL is positioning itself as a benchmark for climate-adaptive airport infrastructure in the region.
Point of View
Yet the broader Indian aviation sector has been slow to mandate such standards. With the Airports Authority of India yet to publish a sector-wide green infrastructure roadmap, individual airport wins like this risk remaining isolated showcases rather than industry baselines. The real question is whether regulators will use cases like Jaipur to set enforceable benchmarks across Tier-2 and Tier-3 airports, where climate exposure is often highest and investment lowest.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What award did Jaipur International Airport win at ACI Green Airports Recognition 2026?
Jaipur International Airport Limited received Silver Recognition at the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East Green Airports Recognition 2026, under the theme 'Climate Change Adaptation'. The award recognises the airport's climate resilience initiatives and environmentally responsible operations.
What is the 'Cool Terminal' initiative at Jaipur Airport?
The 'Cool Terminal' is an ecosystem developed by JIAL to improve energy efficiency and passenger comfort. Terminal 2 was upgraded with high-performance glass and insulated roofing, combined with energy-efficient cooling systems and on-site solar power, reducing HVAC energy consumption by nearly 35% and surface temperatures by 6–10 degrees Celsius.
How much has Jaipur Airport reduced its carbon emissions?
JIAL's sustainability initiatives have resulted in an annual reduction of more than 200 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions, supporting India's broader climate and environmental objectives.
What other sustainability recognitions has Jaipur Airport received?
Beyond the ACI Silver, JIAL holds ACI Level 3 accreditation achieved in May 2025 and a 'Zero Waste to Landfill' accolade from the Confederation of Indian Industry–ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development.
How large is Jaipur International Airport and how many passengers does it serve?
Jaipur International Airport is Rajasthan's busiest airport, spread across 776 acres. It handled more than 5.75 million passengers in FY27 and records nearly 120 air traffic movements daily, operating on a digital-first model.
