New Delhi, December 01, 2025: 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.
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 https://www.gmrgroup.in
For further details, please contact:
Subhendu Ray
Corporate Communications
Email: subhendu.ray@gmrgroup.in
Saurabh Singh
Corporate Communications
Email: saurabh.singh@gmrgroup.in