Photo: Athens International Airport Athens International Airport has completed a €70 million sustainability investment program aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its directly controlled operations, reaching the milestone 25 years ahead of the target set for European airports.
The announcement was made during a visit to the airport by Greece's Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, and European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra.
The two officials were given a tour of the airport's energy infrastructure and briefed on ROUTE 2025, a strategic program designed to reduce emissions from the airport's own operations while strengthening its energy independence.
The €70 million investment received support from the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Facility and forms part of Athens Airport's broader sustainability strategy.
Athens International Airport CEO George Kallimasias said the completion of ROUTE 2025 meant the airport had achieved its target for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in activities under its direct control, 25 years before the 2050 goal established for European airports.
Board Chairman Michalis Kefalogiannis emphasized the airport's importance to the Greek economy, describing it as strategic national infrastructure that requires long-term investment and responsibility toward society.
He said the program demonstrates that the green transition can create economic value while improving the competitiveness of not only the airport itself but also Athens and Greece as a whole.
Kefalogiannis also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the airport, Greek authorities and European institutions in supporting major infrastructure investments.
The visit comes as airports across Europe face increasing pressure to reduce their environmental impact, improve energy efficiency and accelerate the transition toward more sustainable operations.
Athens Airport says ROUTE 2025 represents a significant step in that direction, combining emissions reduction with greater energy autonomy.