Newcastle Airport Cuts Carbon Emissions Nearly in Half Through Biofuel Transition and Energy Efficiency Measures
(IN SHORT) Newcastle Airport has reduced its on-site carbon emissions by 46% since 2019, surpassing expectations on its path to achieving Net Zero by 2035. The milestone is driven by key initiatives including the adoption of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil for all non-electric vehicles, which significantly cut fleet emissions, as well as broader energy efficiency improvements and the use of renewable energy from an on-site solar farm. Additional measures such as infrastructure upgrades and reduced gas usage have further contributed to the reduction. Supported by the UK’s cleaner electricity grid and aligned with regional sustainability targets, the airport’s efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable aviation.
(PRESS RELEASE) NEWCASTLE upon Tyne, UK, 2026-Apr-17 — /Travel PR News/ — Newcastle Airport has achieved a significant reduction in its on-site carbon emissions, cutting them by 46% compared to 2019 levels and moving ahead of its target to reach Net Zero by 2035.
This progress is the result of a series of targeted investments aimed at accelerating the airport’s sustainability strategy. A key initiative has been the transition to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as the primary fuel for all non-electric vehicles operating across the site. This low-carbon biofuel, produced from plant waste, oils, and fats, offers a cleaner alternative to conventional diesel and has played a major role in reducing emissions from the airport’s vehicle fleet.
The shift to HVO alone has delivered a 59% reduction in vehicle-related emissions within a year, equating to a saving of approximately 130 tonnes of carbon. This reduction is comparable to the annual emissions associated with powering more than 140 UK homes, highlighting the scale of the impact.
Additional gains have been achieved through a combination of renewable energy use and operational improvements. The airport continues to benefit from energy generated by its on-site solar farm, while further measures have been implemented to reduce gas consumption and enhance overall energy efficiency. These include installing rapid-rise doors in baggage handling areas, introducing AirDoor systems at terminal entrances, and removing gas-powered hot water systems in departure lounge outlets.
The airport’s emissions reductions have also been supported by the UK’s transition toward a cleaner electricity grid, aligning its efforts with broader regional sustainability goals such as Newcastle City Council’s ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2030.
Alice Andreasen, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Newcastle Airport, described the 46% reduction as a major milestone that demonstrates the effectiveness of the airport’s investment and innovation-driven approach. She noted that initiatives such as the full transition to HVO fuel and energy efficiency upgrades are delivering both environmental and economic benefits, while reaffirming the airport’s commitment to further progress in sustainable aviation.
Newcastle Airport continues to focus on advancing its decarbonisation efforts, aiming to play a leading role in reducing aviation-related emissions while supporting the wider region’s transition to a low-carbon future.
For more information about the Airport’s Net Zero journey, visit www.newcastleairport.com/corporate/community-and-sustainability.
Media contact:
pressoffice@newcastleinternational.co.uk
0191 214 3568
SOURCE: Newcastle International Airport
