In a major leap toward environmental sustainability, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has been certified as India's first "water-positive" airport. This milestone places the airport at the forefront of eco-friendly aviation infrastructure, making it a role model for sustainable travel in India and globally. The certification comes as a result of concerted efforts in water conservation, advanced technology, and efficient management systems that have made the airport water-neutral and then some.
A "water-positive" facility refers to one that replenishes more water than it consumes. IGI Airport achieved this distinction through several groundbreaking initiatives, including extensive rainwater harvesting, the installation of underground water reservoirs, and a zero-liquid discharge sewage treatment plant. These efforts have significantly reduced the airport's water footprint, transforming it into a beacon of environmental responsibility.
Rainwater Harvesting and Water Storage
With a primary focus on utilizing natural resources, the airport installed 625 rainwater harvesting structures across its vast premises. These systems capture rainwater during the monsoon season, storing it for later use in the airport's operations. The two newly constructed underground reservoirs, with a combined capacity of 9 million liters, further enhance this water storage capacity, ensuring the airport has a consistent water supply even in dry months.
Zero-Liquid Discharge Treatment Plant
Another major component of IGI's water-positive status is the installation of a 16.6 million liters per day (MLD) zero-liquid discharge sewage treatment plant. This cutting-edge facility ensures that all wastewater generated at the airport is treated and reused. The recycled water is utilized for various non-potable applications, such as landscape irrigation, toilet flushing, and even for the airport's Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.
In addition to harvesting and recycling water, IGI Airport has implemented several water-saving systems. Drip irrigation and sprinkler systems have been introduced to ensure that water used for landscaping is efficiently distributed. The airport has also adopted advanced technology to reduce potable water wastage by ensuring that high-quality potable water is provided to passengers with minimal losses.
Reusing Water for Non-Potable Applications
The treated water is put to work in areas such as landscape irrigation and HVAC systems. This means that IGI Airport is not only conserving water but also contributing to the reduction of its carbon footprint, a crucial step toward reducing the environmental impact of its operations. Moreover, by reusing treated water for non-potable uses, the airport maximizes water efficiency, further minimizing its reliance on fresh water sources.
The efforts of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the operator of IGI Airport, were formally recognized at the 2025 Water Innovation Summit in New Delhi. DIAL was felicitated for achieving Scope I water neutrality under the NITI Aayog-CII water neutrality framework, a prestigious recognition of its commitment to sustainable water use and management.
Water neutrality is a framework designed to ensure that an organization balances its total freshwater consumption with water savings achieved through efficiency improvements, reuse, and replenishment. By achieving water neutrality, IGI Airport has demonstrated that large-scale infrastructure can operate responsibly without compromising precious natural resources.
Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, expressed that the airport's commitment to sustainability is a core value that drives its operations. He emphasized that this achievement is a step toward IGI Airport's long-term goal of becoming a "net-zero" airport. By reducing water consumption, recycling wastewater, and improving water efficiency, the airport is enhancing its resilience to climate change and strengthening its sustainability efforts.
He further added as an airport, sustainability is a driving force. Becoming water-positive reflects their commitment to responsible resource use and environmental stewardship. Jaipuriar also mentioned that,that was an essential part of their vision for the future of aviation infrastructure, contributing to a greener planet.
The significance of Delhi's IGI Airport becoming water-positive extends beyond the airport itself. It marks a turning point in the aviation industry's approach to sustainability and sets a new benchmark for airports globally. Airports around the world face increasing pressure to reduce their environmental impact, and IGI Airport's success offers a model for how large-scale infrastructure projects can operate sustainably while meeting growing demands.
As travel and tourism industries work toward minimizing their ecological footprint, IGI Airport's water-positive certification is a powerful reminder of how innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand in fostering a sustainable future for the industry. The airport's water-saving measures are a valuable example of how resource conservation is critical to both environmental and operational success.
Delhi's airport has set a precedent for other airports in India and worldwide to follow. As travelers become more environmentally conscious, airports that adopt green practices and prioritize sustainability will play an essential role in shaping the future of the travel industry. With this new certification, IGI Airport is not only enhancing its own sustainability but also helping to propel India toward its broader climate goals.