From Water-Stressed to Water-Positive: Delhi Airport Sets a New Benchmark in Sustainable Aviation

GMR Aero led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) proudly announces that Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has become the first airport in the India with a capacity of more than 40 million+ passengers per annum (MPPA) to achieve “water-positive” status — a landmark feat in sustainable water management for global aviation.
 
Delhi Airport, known for its environmental protection and sustainability measures transforming from a groundwater-stressed facility into a water-positive airport that replenishes more water than it consumes. DIAL’s achievement was formally recognised at the Water Innovation Summit 2025, held recently in New Delhi — where DIAL was felicitated for successfully achieving Scope I Water Neutrality under the NITI Aayog–CII Water Neutrality Framework. This accolade underscores IGIA’s transformation into a global pioneer in sustainable, climate-resilient airport infrastructure.
 
Key Water Management & Sustainability Achievements

• Rainwater harvesting & storage: More than 625 rainwater-harvesting structures have been installed across the airport. Two newly commissioned underground reservoirs with a combined capacity of 9 million litres enable significant rainwater capture and storage.
• Zero-liquid discharge & wastewater reuse: A 16.6 Million Litters per Day (MLD) Zero-Liquid Discharge Sewage Treatment Plant recycles 100% of airport wastewater. Treated water is reused for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, landscape irrigation, toilet flushing, and other non-potable applications.
• Water-efficient infrastructure: Advanced systems such as sprinkler and drip irrigation ensure efficient water use across landscaped areas. A state-of-the-art water treatment plant provides high-quality potable water to passengers with minimal wastage.
• Comprehensive water stewardship framework: Completion of the Scope I Water Neutrality Assessment under the NITI Aayog – CII framework recognises DIAL’s robust water measurement, monitoring, conservation, and restoration practices at the watershed level.

 
Commenting on the milestone, Mr Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO–DIAL, said: “At DIAL, sustainability is not an obligation — it’s our driving force. Becoming water-positive reflects our deep commitment to responsible resource use, environmental stewardship, and the future of aviation infrastructure. More importantly, this achievement is a significant step towards our long-term vision of strengthening IGIA’s position as a net zero airport. Water positivity not only reduces our dependence on natural resources but also enhances our resilience and climate readiness. IGIA is not just India’s busiest airport; it is one of the greenest airports in the country.”
 
This water-positive milestone complements DIAL’s broader sustainability credentials: IGIA is already Asia’s first airport in its category to achieve Level 5 Carbon Accreditation under Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.
 
IGIA’s achievement sets a powerful global benchmark, demonstrating that even high-capacity hubs can successfully implement sustainable water management at scale. By harvesting rainwater, recycling wastewater, and minimising consumption, the airport significantly reduces pressure on local water sources — a critical priority in water-stressed regions. Its integrated approach provides a replicable model for airports, industrial zones, and large urban infrastructures worldwide.
 
The water-positive status, combined with DIAL’s decarbonisation, renewable energy transition, waste reduction, and social-impact initiatives, reinforces IGIA’s position as a leading green airport — future-ready, climate-resilient, and committed to pioneering sustainable aviation.