Dubai Airports Releases Inaugural ESG Report, Detailing Sustainability and Accessibility Progress

Dubai Airports has launched its inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Impact Report, outlining key achievements and future priorities for Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central — Al Maktoum International (DWC) across 2024 and 2025.

Environmental Progress

The report details substantial improvements in energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption. As of June 2025, Dubai Airports reduced its electricity consumption by 144.72 GWh compared to its 2019 baseline. A significant initiative is a 45 MWp rooftop solar project spanning both airports, described as one of the largest airport-based renewable energy systems in the region. Beyond that, a 5% biodiesel blend has been introduced for airport and partner vehicle fleets.

Waste management also saw considerable gains. Seven food-waste digesters at DXB can process a combined 4,900 kg of food waste daily, contributing to a 76% landfill diversion rate in 2025, which subsequently increased to 100% by May 2026.

Social and Accessibility Initiatives

On the social front, Dubai Airports provided 24,115 learning hours to 1,531 employees through various development programmes in 2025. Also, 17,349 service partners benefited from development initiatives. Accessibility remains a key focus, with eight dedicated services for People of Determination at DXB. In 2025, 52,619 learners from 14 partner entities completed accessibility training, and 36,040 sunflower lanyards were distributed to assist passengers with hidden disabilities.

Leadership Vision and Future Steps

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, emphasised that sustainability must be central to all decisions, operations, and future planning. He noted the company's commitment to reducing its own operational footprint and collaborating with partners to decarbonise aviation. The report also outlines future priorities, including enhancing ESG data collection, finalising climate-risk and adaptation plans, advancing environmental management systems, and strengthening collaboration across the aviation sector through the oneDXB Sustainability Alliance.