Positive Interim Assessment for Memmingen Airport

Memmingen Airport has moved another step closer to its goal of achieving climate-neutral operations by 2045. This progress has been confirmed by the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, an initiative launched by the European airport association ACI Europe. The process involved measuring the airport’s carbon footprint regarding Scope 1 and 2 emissions, identifying reductions already achieved, and developing a plan for further CO2 reduction.

Under the banner “Green Airport Memmingen,” the airport—southern Germany’s largest low-cost airport—is pursuing the goal of climate-neutral operations by 2045. “Air travel will continue to play an important role in the future, while the demands for sustainable development are becoming increasingly significant,” explains Airport Managing Director Ralf Schmid. “We, as an airport, intend to do our part and will regularly commission ACA certification to have our activities independently assessed.”

The independent Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) system has scrutinized the airport’s climate protection efforts to date and issued a positive interim assessment. The audit was conducted by an independent external assessor. One of the findings was that emissions have decreased further compared to 2019. The assessment primarily takes into account direct emissions—stemming from energy generation, fuel consumption for the vehicle fleet, and heating—as well as indirect emissions resulting from purchased energy (electricity and heat). It covers all business areas and facilities operated by Flughafen Memmingen GmbH. To this end, the airport has been compiling an annual CO2 balance sheet since 2019 to track its carbon footprint. The resulting data and key figures serve as a baseline for evaluating the impact of planned reduction measures on energy and fuel consumption in the years ahead. These are reflected in planned and ongoing projects as well as in standard operating procedures. “In particular,” says Schmid, “we are focusing on the use of renewable energies, the improvement of energy efficiency, the optimization of airport-specific facilities, and the expansion of sustainable mobility.” The ACA certification program provides a common framework for carbon management for the more than 560 airports currently participating worldwide.

Memmingen Airport is continuously working on a sustainability program that encompasses economic and social aspects—including personnel management and safety—as well as environmental considerations. Key areas include energy, environmental, waste, and water management, along with the efficient use of resources.

The long-term goal is to achieve climate neutrality regarding infrastructure emissions by 2045. Compared to the 2019 baseline, the aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per passenger by around 80 percent by 2030. The airport cannot directly influence emissions generated by third-party flight operations, particularly those of airline partners. However, numerous efforts are underway in this area as well. For instance, the airport is supporting a feasibility study on implementing infrastructure for alternative energy sources at airports and airfields. To drive the necessary transformation in the aviation industry, the airport promotes measures ranging from the development of cross-project initiatives for electric and hydrogen-powered aviation to the implementation of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).

In September 2015, the United Nations launched the 2030 Agenda, establishing 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. “At Memmingen Airport, we are committed to the SDGs and are doing our part to achieve these goals,” emphasizes Managing Director Ralf Schmid.

Press release update: September 21, 2026