ACI APAC & MID’s Net Zero Roadmap Programme Commences At King Khalid International Airport

King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh operated by Riyadh Airports has become the first airport in the region to undergo an onsite assessment under ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East’s Net Zero Roadmap pilot programme, marking a pioneering step in sustainability efforts.

King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh operated by Riyadh Airports has become the first airport in the region to undergo an onsite assessment under ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East’s Net Zero Roadmap pilot programme, marking a pioneering step in sustainability efforts.

Following the agreement signed in October 2024 with Riyadh Airports Company, ACI APAC & MID began preparations for the in-depth onsite assessment, a critical phase in the decarbonisation journey. This assessment was designed to thoroughly evaluate the airport’s infrastructure, collect key data, engage stakeholders, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the airport’s environmental landscape to guide strategic decision-making in the subsequent phases.

The onsite assessment took place from 21–23 January 2025, bringing together a team of four experts—three from the appointed World Business Partner, To70, and ACI APAC & MID’s sustainability expert, Mr. Ken Lau, Head of Sustainability.

Over three days, the expert team conducted:

• Interactive workshops on energy management and CO2 emissions.
• Engagement with key airport stakeholders in operations and sustainability.
• Airside and landside site visits.
• Interviewed senior executives to gather insights, data, and documentation.

This comprehensive approach ensured a holistic understanding of KKIA’s current status and future decarbonisation opportunities.

What’s Next?
With the onsite assessment successfully completed, the expert team will now undertake further analysis to develop a tailor-made Net Zero Roadmap for KKIA. This roadmap to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, expected within three months, will provide structured recommendations covering carbon footprint projections, governance frameworks, and targeted strategies across assets, fuels, and operations with key deliverables of Recommendations/Measures, Pathways to net zero and Level 5 (target setting, trajectories, milestones, accreditation level steps), high level CAPEX plan and timeline and Implementation plan.

Join the Net Zero Journey
The Net Zero Roadmap is an on-demand service designed to complement the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme. It offers airports a structured, actionable pathway to achieving net zero emissions.

To learn more about how your airport can participate, write to communications@aci-asiapac.aero.