The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has launched the Green Airport Certification Programme, the first voluntary programme of its kind in the region eligible UAE international aerodromes that have implemented environmental sustainability initiatives meeting the programme’s criteria.
The programme covers a range of areas, including energy, emissions and climate action; water, waste and the circular economy; sustainable transport and ground operations; biodiversity and pollution prevention; as well as sustainable infrastructure, climate resilience and innovation.
Eng. Aqeel Ahmed Al Zarooni, Assistant Director General of the Aviation Safety Affairs Sector, said: “The Green Airport Certification Programme reflects the UAE’s commitment to advancing sustainability in the aviation sector through practical initiatives and measurable results. The programme places implementation and documented evidence at the core of the certification process, enabling airports to showcase their environmental performance and translate sustainability goals into tangible outcomes, while encouraging the adoption and wider application of effective practices that go beyond minimum regulatory requirements across the country’s civil aviation sector.”
Eligible aerodromes that demonstrate initiatives going beyond minimum regulatory requirements and delivering tangible, measurable environmental benefits will receive the Green Stamp on their existing Aerodrome Certificate. This visible national recognition supports the sharing and wider adoption of effective practices and encourages all UAE international aerodromes to progressively enhance their environmental performance and meet the certification criteria.
The programme reflects the UAE’s proactive approach to integrating sustainability into aviation. It aligns with We the UAE 2031 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, while supporting the GCAA’s vision for a safe, competitive and sustainable civil aviation system.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through the GCAA e-Services portal using Form GS-01, attached to General Information Bulletin 2026-13, together with evidence supporting the initiative and its environmental results.