Kaohsiung International Airport recognised ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Green Airports Recognition 2026 Platinum Award and achieves ACA Level 4 Certification for the first time

Kaohsiung International Airport has received major international recognition for its leadership in sustainability and climate resilience, earning the Platinum Award — the highest distinction in the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East Green Airports Recognition 2026 — while also achieving Level 4 accreditation under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program for the first time. ACI praised the airport as “a benchmark for other airports across the region.” 

The ACI Green Airports Recognition program is organized by ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, whose members represent more than 600 airports across 44 countries in the region. Kaohsiung International Airport received the Platinum Award for its outstanding performance in this year’s theme of "Climate Change Adaptation" in the category for airports handling between 5 and 15 million passengers annually. 

Airport Director Yu-Chen Wang stated that the airport implemented the project “Science-Based Climate Adaptation to Build a Disaster-Resilient Airport.” In response to compound climate risks such as typhoons and heavy rainfall, the airport adopted the TCFD framework and IPCC scientific data, while investing approximately NTD 2.43 billion in drainage and flood detention system upgrades, terminal waterproofing, and enhanced wind resistance of passenger boarding bridges to strengthen infrastructure resilience. 

These efforts proved effective when Super Typhoon Krathon directly impacted Kaohsiung in 2024. The airport successfully maintained zero flooding in terminals and on the runway, zero damage to critical facilities, and zero casualties, while rapidly restoring operations, demonstrating the effectiveness of its climate adaptation strategies. 

Director Wang emphasized that achieving ACA Level 4 reflects Kaohsiung International Airport’s continued progress in establishing internationally aligned long-term carbon reduction targets and strengthening its carbon management framework. 

Earlier this month, Director Wang attended the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly, Conference & Exhibition (RACE 2026) held in Bangkok, and officially received the ACA Level 4 accreditation and the Green Airports Recognition 2026 Platinum Award on behalf of the airport. During the accreditation ceremony, Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, remarked: “We are proud of Kaohsiung International Airport’s outstanding achievements in reducing carbon emissions. Its progress sets a valuable benchmark for other airports in the region.” 

Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East said “We congratulate Kaohsiung International Airport for achieving ACI APAC & MID’s Green Airports Recognition Platinum Award, and Level 4 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation. By positioning itself as one of the leaders in efficient carbon management, Kaohsiung International Airport displays a robust commitment to building a more sustainable future. This accomplishment aligns perfectly with our industry's collective vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2050."

Kaohsiung International Airport has strengthened its Scope 3 emissions inventory and established a comprehensive net-zero transition roadmap. The airport has also partnered with 38 on-site stakeholders through a “Joint Carbon Reduction Plan,” promoting energy efficiency improvements, low-carbon vehicle adoption, and equipment optimization to reduce operational emissions. In addition, the airport supports the government’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) pilot initiatives and completed the replacement of 16 passenger boarding bridges, alongside the full deployment of fixed electrical ground power and pre-conditioned air systems. Usage frequency increased by 3.72 times compared to the previous year, effectively reducing aircraft ground emissions. 

Despite staffing levels at Kaohsiung International Airport being significantly lower than those of many other international airports, Director Wang noted that the airport was still able to achieve both ACA Level 4 accreditation and the highest distinction of the Green Airports Platinum Award, making the accomplishment even more remarkable.

These international recognitions not only reflect the long-term efforts of the airport team, but also mark an important milestone in strengthening operational resilience and advancing low-carbon transformation. Moving forward, Kaohsiung International Airport will continue deepening decarbonization actions and climate risk management, while strengthening collaboration, partnerships, and organizational support for sustainable development.