Tallinn Airport is now carbon neutral 

Since 2018, Tallinn Airport has reduced carbon emissions from its operations by 96%. An audit carried out under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) global carbon management certification programme has confirmed that the airport achieved carbon neutrality based on the actions adopted in 2024 (certified in 2025). To receive certification, the company was required to reduce its emissions by at least 90%, for us the remaining 4% – related to de-icing activities and employee business travel – permitted to be offset. 

This substantial reduction in emissions represents a significant achievement, reflecting the effectiveness of the actions and commitment demonstrated by the company, its employees, and partners. 

According to Anneli Turkin, Member of the Management Board of Tallinn Airport, Tallinn has for years served as a role model for other airports across Europe, particularly through its determination and tangible actions, which have now resulted in the achievement of carbon neutrality. “Since 2018, we have systematically collected data, calculated and reduced our carbon footprint, and involved our partners in the process. Everyone’s contribution has been invaluable, and the change in our employees’ behaviour has had a major impact – the CO₂e emissions per employee at Tallinn Airport have decreased from 38 tonnes to just 1.3 tonnes,” said Turkin, adding that he is extremely proud of the entire airport team. 

According to Turkin, the most significant impact has come from the installation of solar parks at airports across Estonia and the transition to renewable electricity and district heating in Tallinn. “We built our first solar park in 2020, and in 2024 we generated 6.2 GWh of renewable energy ourselves, covering around 50% of the Group’s total electricity demand. In addition, since 2024 we have been using and supplying only renewable electricity to our partners.” Turkin also highlighted the introduction of electric equipment, the use of renewable fuels, and the development of the charging network for employees, partners and passengers. 

“Tallinn Airport is now carbon neutral – this is a major step towards a cleaner future for Estonia’s aviation and transport sector as a whole,” said Turkin, adding that the airport’s carbon neutrality supports Estonia’s transport sector goal to reduce emissions by 90% by 2040. “We will continue reducing our carbon emissions and preparing to achieve net zero.” 

*Carbon neutrality: The airport has reduced at least 90% of the CO₂e emissions from its direct operations (Scopes 1 and 2, including business travel) compared to the baseline year. The remaining emissions have been offset through carbon avoidance projects.
 

*Further information about ACA Level 3+ can be found here.