Thiruvananthapuram Airport Launches Open Access Fuel Hub for Greener Aviation
Thiruvananthapuram has taken a pioneering step in aviation sustainability and efficiency with the commissioning of an open access fuel farm at its international airport. Designed to be a shared infrastructure model, the fuel farm enables multiple oil marketing companies to supply aviation fuel through a common system, offering airlines more choice, lower costs, and reduced emissions. The move signals the airport’s shift toward eco-friendly operations and marks a critical milestone in its goal to become a future-ready, green aviation hub.
Unlike conventional fuel systems where each operator manages its own infrastructure, the open access model eliminates duplication, encouraging new fuel suppliers to enter the market without heavy capital investment. This change enhances competition, drives down operational costs, and reduces congestion and emissions linked to redundant fuelling logistics. Officials have confirmed that the shared system will also improve safety by standardising procedures and allowing real-time monitoring. In an industry where every second counts, streamlined refuelling also means faster aircraft turnaround and better utilisation of airside resources. The facility, developed by acquiring and integrating existing fuel assets at the airport, reflects a strategic pivot in airport planning. By removing infrastructure silos, it optimises space and introduces long-term cost savings across stakeholders.
The airport authority announced plans to further scale this system within 24 months by introducing a hydrant refuelling system—an underground network that delivers jet fuel directly to aircraft. This addition will further reduce truck movement, enhancing on-ground safety and significantly cutting refuelling times, which is vital for improving on-time performance. Beyond operational gains, the open access model aligns with national sustainability goals. By reducing the number of fuel tankers on the tarmac, emissions from ground operations are lowered considerably. This helps in making the airport’s fuel management system more climate-resilient. Experts suggest that such innovations are critical in South India, where rapid airport growth needs to be matched with infrastructure that respects environmental boundaries and public health. Thiruvananthapuram’s move could serve as a model for other airports in India seeking to balance capacity expansion with sustainability.
The launch of the fuel farm is more than an infrastructural upgrade—it’s a shift in mindset toward collaborative, efficient, and low-impact aviation systems. As India’s airports continue to grow, prioritising shared infrastructure and emissions reduction will be key to building greener, more equitable cities. The open access model offers a scalable, inclusive framework for other regions to adopt as part of a just transition to climate-smart transport ecosystems.
