Feasibility Study on Implementing Hydrogen Technologies at Airports

Climate change and increasingly strict emissions regulations are reshaping the aviation industry. Airports around the world now face a critical challenge: how to significantly reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable operations. As major transportation hubs with high energy demand, airports must play a central role in the transition to sustainable energy systems.

But what does the energy transition look like for an airport in practice?

Hydrogen, as an emission free energy carrier, offers a promising solution. It has the potential to decarbonize both airside and landside operations and play a key role in future proof airport energy systems. airsight supports airports in evaluating and introducing hydrogen solutions, addressing technical, operational, regulatory, and safety requirements as well as implementation challenges. The following overview illustrates this approach through a study on the introduction of hydrogen powered buses at a major hub airport in Canada.

This approach is divided into three phases:

1. Definition of the target state
   What strategic objectives is the airport pursuing through the introduction of hydrogen technologies, and which applications or vehicle types should be prioritized?
2. Assessment of the current state (status quo)
   Which legal and regulatory frameworks apply today, and how do planned capacity increases (e.g. passenger numbers and flight movements) impact future vehicle and fleet requirements?
3. Comparison of current and target state and roadmap development
   What gaps exist between the current and target state, which infrastructure adaptations and investments are required, and how can these be structured into a phased implementation roadmap?

1. Defining the Target State

Objective: Definition of the intended deployment scenario and target parameters.

Hydrogen offers a wide range of potential applications at airports. These include the decarbonization of airport vehicle fleets (such as buses, baggage tugs, pushback tractors, and other ground support equipment), use as an energy storage solution through the production of green hydrogen from renewable sources, and as a clean energy source for stationary applications like heating, cooling, or power generation via fuel cells. In the longer term, hydrogen may also enable zero emission short haul aircraft operations.

The first step is to clearly define the relevant use case, or combination of use cases, based on the airport’s strategic objectives, such as environmental impact reduction, operational resilience, or economic efficiency.

In the reference project, airsight was commissioned by a major Canadian airport operator to assess the introduction of sustainably powered buses (battery electric and hydrogen) to support anticipated capacity growth and rising passenger and transport volumes.

2. Assessing the Current State (Status Quo)

Objective: Analysis of the current situation from a technical, legal, and organizational/operational perspective.

The next step is to establish a clear understanding of the starting point. This includes reviewing key legal, operational, infrastructure, personnel, financial, and environmental factors that influence the feasibility of hydrogen adoption.

In the project example, airsight first gathered detailed information on existing infrastructure, including the number of buses in operation, route structures, depot and parking layouts, refuelling facilities, and maintenance areas. Workforce aspects such as the number of drivers and shift patterns were also analyzed, alongside an assessment of the applicable regulatory framework. In parallel, projected growth in capacity and demand was evaluated using a combination of document reviews and targeted stakeholder interviews.

3. Comparison of Actual vs. Target State and Derivation of Measures / Roadmap

Objective: Evaluation of deviations and derivation of concrete recommendations for action.

The core task at this stage is to identify the requirements needed to move from the current state to the defined target state. This involves determining which new legal, operational, and infrastructure requirements arise, which existing elements must be adapted or replaced, and which can be streamlined or eliminated. Evaluating different development scenarios (e.g. best‑case and worst‑case) helps to manage risks and support robust decision‑making.

In the Canadian hub airport example, different propulsion technologies—diesel, battery‑electric, hydrogen, and hybrid—were first systematically compared. A SWOT analysis highlighted hydrogen buses as the most promising strategic option. By comparing future requirements with existing conditions, several areas requiring adjustment were identified, forming the basis for a clear and actionable implementation roadmap:

• Need for training and equipment, including in the maintenance facility, to address safety aspects when handling hydrogen gas (odorless but highly flammable)
• Need for infrastructure, in addition to the existing infrastructure required for continued diesel bus operations, for storing hydrogen (considering pressure and temperature requirements) and refueling hydrogen buses
• Need for logistics to transfer hydrogen from the landside to the airside
• Further development of the existing Concept of Operations (CONOPS), e.g., safety procedures for hydrogen, mandatory training and qualifications, appropriate maintenance equipment, and telemetry for monitoring and analysis

Regardless of the chosen approach, close exchange with experienced partners is a key success factor. Learning from other airports, hydrogen infrastructure operators (such as refuelling station providers), and research institutions helps reduce risks, accelerate implementation, and build on proven solutions. In the reference project, this collaborative exchange played an important role in ensuring a successful outcome.

Are you currently evaluating alternative propulsion systems—such as hydrogen or electric solutions—within your airport operations? We would be pleased to connect. airsight’s team of experts looks forward to sharing insights, exchanging experiences, and supporting you in turning your project ideas into reality.