As we approach Earth Hour, it is worth acknowledging the aviation industry's ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact. Despite facing significant challenges, the industry has taken proactive steps toward promoting sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.

Still, Earth Hour serves as a reminder of the continued need to prioritize these efforts. A vast number of people and industries take part in this initiative every year. Let's take a closer look at how the aviation industry has marked Earth Hour over the years.

What is Earth Hour?

Earth Hour is a worldwide event that takes place every year on the last Saturday of March. People worldwide turn off their lights for one hour to mark their commitment to protecting and saving the planet's resources.

Organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), this initiative has been active since 2007. As the UN scientist issues a grave warning on the climate crisis, the significance of this day appears to be greater than ever before. This year, Earth Hour will take place on March 25 between 13:30 and 14:30 UTC.

Airlines that marked Earth Hour

Oman Air

To mark Earth Hour, the national carrier of Oman switched the lights off at the company's headquarters in Muscat in 2021. Commenting on the initiative, Oman Air CEO Abdulaziz Al Raisi said at the time:

"Tackling climate change is a priority issue for airlines around the world and continues to shape the future of eco-efficient air transport."

Oman Air 787 Dreamliner landing
Photo: KITIKUN YOKSAP / Shutterstock

Qatar Airways

Another airline that made it to the list is Qatar Airways. In 2017, the airline switched off lights for an hour at its corporate headquarters to mark the 10th anniversary of the Earth Hour initiative.

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SriLankan Airlines

In 2017, SriLankan Airlines took a unique approach to mark Earth Hour compared to other airlines. The airline's 'Green Unit' organized a candlelit dinner at their fully-owned restaurant, Semondu, where the staff mingled with customers and explained the significance of Earth Hour and SriLankan's commitment to preserving the environment.

Airports that marked Earth Hour

Bahrain International Airport

To mark Earth Hour in 2022, Bahrain International Airport (BAH) dimmed and switched off non-essential lights without affecting operations or the passenger journey.

Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) turned off its gateway pylons for an hour, marking Earth Hour back in 2022. The pylons, which line 1.5 miles of Century Boulevard, were lit green before going dark. Meanwhile, the lights required for public safety were switched off during the event, and airport operations were not affected.

LAX airport
Photo: Angel DiBilio/Shutterstock

Athens Airport

The largest airport in Greece, Athens Airport (ATH), turned off the lights of its western runway system (03L/21R) in 2019, interrupting aircraft operations for an hour. In addition, to mark the occasion, the airport took action and dimmed the lights across its airport buildings and parking lots to raise public awareness about environmental responsibility.

Dubai Airports

In preparation for Earth Hour in 2014, Dubai Airports turned off non-essential lights for almost a month, for an hour each day at both Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airports (DWC).

dubai-world-central-airport-masterplan
Photo: Dubai Airports.

Vancouver International Airport

According to a Stuckattheairport.com report, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) switched off base lights on the control tower to raise awareness about sustainability and saving the planet's resources.

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