Sustainability in Indian Aviation: Challenges, Strategies, and Future Prospects to Reduce Carbon Emission

ABSTRACT The aerospace industry is at a pivotal crossroads, where the need for economic expansion must be harmonized with the pressing demand for environmental stewardship. Amid growing global concern over climate change and carbon emissions, the Indian aviation sector is increasingly acknowledging the critical need to transition towards sustainable practices. This thesis provides an in-depth examination of green aviation initiatives across India’s aerospace landscape, with a focus on evaluating the current state of sustainability measures, identifying systemic challenges, assessing policy effectiveness, analyzing stakeholder perspectives, and investigating the economic and environmental impacts of such initiatives. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative data from structured surveys conducted among 103 industry stakeholders—including airline executives, airport authorities, environmental regulators, and policy advisors—with qualitative insights derived from case studies and secondary literature. Analytical techniques such as descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were employed to uncover patterns and relationships between key variables. Findings indicate a growing level of awareness and engagement with green aviation practices among stakeholders, evidenced by substantial progress in areas such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) adoption, deployment of energy-efficient aircraft, integration of renewable energy at airport facilities, and implementation of environmental management programs. Despite these advancements, several barriers continue to impede widespread implementation. These include regulatory ambiguities, high upfront investment costs, inadequate infrastructure for alternative fuels, technological constraints, and low public awareness. The study further reveals considerable variation in the perceived effectiveness of existing policies and incentives, suggesting a fragmented regulatory landscape that requires alignment and consistent enforcement. Stakeholder analysis demonstrates that while some industry leaders champion sustainability, broader engagement remains limited due to cultural resistance, operational uncertainties, and market-driven priorities. Correlation analysis underscores several critical relationships: the adoption of sustainable technologies shows a positive impact on environmental performance; policy effectiveness is closely linked with favorable industry perception; economic viability is influenced by stakeholder engagement; and operational efficiency improves with the integration of sustainable practices. These insights underscore the interdependence of technology, policy, economics, and culture in shaping India’s sustainable aviation trajectory. Based on these findings, the study recommends a multi-pronged strategy for advancing green aviation in India. Key recommendations include enhancing policy coherence and enforcement mechanisms, fostering cross-sectoral industry collaboration, investing in research and innovation for cleaner technologies, and implementing targeted public awareness campaigns to build societal support for sustainable air travel. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable aviation and serves as a strategic guide for policymakers, aviation stakeholders, and researchers aiming to navigate the complexities of decarbonizing India’s aviation sector while ensuring operational and economic viability.