Athens International Airport once again joins the WWF’s global initiative “Earth Hour” on Saturday, March 31st. The airport will switch off the lighting of its western runway system (03L/21R), interrupting its operation for one hour, between 20:30 - 21:30 (local time).
At the same time, during “Earth Hour 2012”, lighting in the terminal buildings, staff parking lots, and other selected airport areas will be reduced.
Wishing to contribute to public awareness regarding the issue of climate change, announcements in the airport’s terminals will be made, informing passengers and visitors about the WWF’s global mobilization and the active participation of Athens International Airport. Moreover, the Airport Company encourages all of its employees to participate at home, by dimming or shutting off the lights. Other members of the airport community, such as IKEA, Kotsovolos, Factory Outlet, Sofitel, Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines, will be participating in this symbolic action against climate change.
Apart from its symbolic participation in Earth Hour 2012, Athens International Airport continuously undertakes actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under its direct control, including the implementation, since 2008, of a Climate Change Corporate Action Plan, which is updated on a yearly basis, and the airport’s participation in Airport Carbon Accreditation, a voluntary programme to help airports measure and manage their carbon footprint that was launched by ACI Europe in 2009. As a result of its efforts, AIA has managed to reduce its CO2 emissions by more than 20% since 2005.
NOTE Closure of the western runway system will NOT impact Athens International Airport’s operation; closure will take place following special planning for the one-hour duration of the action. All flights will be serviced on the airport’s eastern runway according to schedule. Reduction of lighting at the selected facilities will be done in full compliance with safety provisions for passengers, visitors, and staff.