New Delhi, June 04, 2025: In a unique initiative that combines environmental responsibility with community upliftment, the GMR AERO-led consortium Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has launched a seed ball distribution campaign for passengers. As part of its ongoing commitment to green practices, the airport will distribute over 6,000 seed balls to flyers on the occasion of World Environment Day, encouraging them to play a direct role in reforestation and ecological preservation.

The seed balls include a carefully curated mix of fruit-bearing and environmentally beneficial tree species — Lemon, Tamarind, and Gooseberry (Amla), along with Neem and Peepal. These species have been selected for their ecological value, medicinal properties, and ability to thrive in varied climatic conditions. By encouraging passengers to plant these seed balls, the airport is promoting biodiversity, increasing green cover, and supporting carbon sequestration.

This initiative is not just about trees — it also has a strong social dimension. The seed balls are being prepared by local communities, providing them with a sustainable source of livelihood. The fruit-bearing trees, which will grow out of the seed balls thrown by flyers, will contribute to sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. By harvesting and selling the fruits, individuals can generate a source of income. This will not only support economic self-reliance but also encourage environmentally responsible practices and long-term community development.

Through this effort, Delhi Airport is empowering marginalised groups and promoting inclusive growth,aligning with both environmental and social goals under the broader framework of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices.

Speaking on the occasion, CEO-DIAL Mr. Videh Kumar Jaipuriar said, “At Delhi Airport, sustainability goes beyond infrastructure-it’s about empowering people and protecting our planet. Through our unique seed ball distribution campaign, we’re inviting passengers to actively participate in reforestation and ecological preservation. Each seed ball will not only help restore green cover but also support rural livelihoods. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to environmental stewardship and social impact. As India’s first Level 5 ACA-accredited airport with Net Zero Carbon Emission status, we continue to set new benchmarks in sustainable aviation.”

Seed balls are an effective and low-cost method of planting trees. Made by embedding seeds in a mixture of clay and compost, they can be scattered on soil with minimal care. When the conditions are right, the seeds germinate, contributing to natural afforestation with minimal effort. The use of seed balls also contributes to reducing human-wildlife conflict by enriching natural food sources within forest areas.

Flyers receiving the seed balls are encouraged to plant them in open spaces — whether in backyards, parks, along roadsides, or any place of their choice - and be part of a growing movement to green urban and rural landscapes. The campaign also raises awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship and encourages individuals to take small, meaningful actions for the planet.

Delhi Airport’s seed ball initiative reflects its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community partnership, setting an inspiring example of how public spaces can drive environmental and social change.

Delhi Airport (DEL) is a pioneering force in sustainable aviation, achieving Net Zero Carbon Emission status (Scope 1 & 2) and becoming the first Level 5 ACA-accredited airport in Asia in its category. Nearly 95% of its electricity comes from renewable sources, reducing 200,000 tons of CO2 annually. IGIA boasts LEED and IGBC green building certifications, a zero-liquid discharge water system, 625+ rainwater harvesting structures, and green transport innovations like TaxiBots and an electric vehicle fleet. Certified plastic-free, it integrates eco-friendly infrastructure and passenger experiences, solidifying its role as a global model for sustainable, future-ready airport operations.

About GMR Airports Limited (Formerly GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited)

GMR Airports Limited (GAL) is a leading global airport platform company with over two decades of experience in designing, constructing, and operating world-class sustainable airports. Under the brand name “GMR AERO”, it offers pioneering aviation solutions in retail, aero services, and real estate. Groupe ADP joined the journey in 2020 as a strategic partner and is now a co-promoter in GAL.

As a platform business, GAL also provides a range of aero services including Duty Free, Retail, F&B, Cargo, Car Parking, O&M, and PMC services. Through its innovative Aerotropolis concept, it develops cutting-edge airport cities giving shape to best-in-class real estate developments in South Asia. GAL operates India's largest third-party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility through its subsidiary, GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Limited ensuring operational excellence across the Asia Pacific region.

GMR Innovex, a GMR Group entity, is developing and introducing a range of digital solutions to enhance the passenger journey and airport experience. Through GMR Aero Academy and GMR School of Aviation, the company is creating the talent pool necessary to drive the growth of the aviation sector in India (the third largest in the world).

As the largest private airport operator in Asia and the second-largest globally, GAL served over 120 million passengers in FY25 with a steadfast commitment to excellence in airport management as reflected in its consistent rankings for services by ACI and Skytrax. With a robust presence in India and Southeast Asia, the company operates key gateways such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, and Medan airports, while extending its technical services to Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. GAL is also developing transformative projects like the greenfield airports in Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam), India, and Crete, Greece.

GMR Group, the promoter of GAL has a significant presence in Energy, Transportation, Urban Infrastructure, and Sports. Through its CSR arm, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, GMR supports local communities, reflecting its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing skills, providing education, and developing healthcare infrastructure and services.

Groupe ADP develops and manages airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Paris-Le Bourget. In 2024, the group handled through its brand Paris Aéroport 103.4 million passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, and nearly 363.7 million passengers in airports in France and abroad. Boasting an exceptional geographic location and a major catchment area, the Group is pursuing its strategy of adapting and modernizing its terminal facilities and upgrading the quality of services; the Group also intends to develop its retail and real estate businesses. In 2024, group revenue stood at €6,158 million and net income at €342 million.

For further information about GMR Group, visit http://www.gmrgroup.in

For further details, please contact:

Subhendu Ray
Corporate Communications
Email: subhendu.ray@gmrgroup.in
Mobile: 9971544011

Sarvottamjee M Jaipuriar
Corporate Communications
Email: sarvottamjee.jaipuriar@gmrgroup.in
Phone: 9818389621