Arar Airport Hits Level 4+ Carbon Accreditation as Five Saudi Peers Reach Level 2

Context The ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation program independently evaluates airports’ carbon management across seven progressive levels, guiding them toward carbon neutrality. Trained auditors review emissions data, energy use, and carbon‑management plans before awarding a level. Level 4+ requires airports to adopt advanced policies that cut absolute emissions in line with global best practices, and Level 2 asks airports to set emissions‑reduction targets and demonstrate measurable improvements.

Key Facts Arar Airport is the first in the Cluster 2 group to achieve Level 4+, meeting the program’s strictest criteria for absolute carbon cuts. King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport (Jazan), Najran, Sharurah, Wadi Al‑Dawasir, and Al‑Wajh airports each earned Level 2 accreditation after establishing reduction targets and showing verified footprint declines. Together, six Saudi airports now hold accredited status, with one at the top tier and five at the intermediate tier. The program’s seven levels range from Mapping to Transition, making Level 4+ the second‑highest attainable rank.

What It Means These results show Saudi Arabia’s Cluster 2 airports are actively advancing through the accreditation framework, reflecting broader national sustainability goals. The verified status provides a baseline for tracking future emissions cuts and informs investment in cleaner ground operations and renewable energy sources. Airlines and passengers increasingly consider accreditation when evaluating airport environmental performance, which can influence route choices and travel decisions. Stakeholders can use the accreditation levels to benchmark progress against international peers and identify gaps for further improvement.

Outlook Monitor whether Arar Airport maintains its Level 4+ standing and whether the five Level 2 airports move toward Level 3 or higher in the next accreditation cycle, with reporting deadlines set for late 2025.