The challenges of integrating alternative fuels in airport development and how they can be overcome

Abstract

This paper investigates the challenges, strategies and implications of integrating alternative fuels, particularly sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and liquid hydrogen, into airport development and operations. It examines both fuels as complementary pathways within aviation’s broader decarbonisation effort, highlighting that while SAF enables a relatively seamless near-term transition through drop-in blends, hydrogen represents a transformative, long-term shift requiring new infrastructure, supply chains and planning paradigms. The paper discusses how airports should adapt their master planning to accommodate uncertain technological timelines, evolving regulations and emerging fuel ecosystems. It identifies scenario-driven, modular master planning as a key tool for de-risking investment decisions and ensuring flexibility as technologies mature. Pilot initiatives such as the Hydrogen Aviation Lab and the GOLIAT project illustrate how empirical testing and cross-sector collaboration can close existing knowledge gaps around liquid hydrogen handling, safety and logistics. Economic considerations and new partnership models are also discussed, as airports move from isolated operational roles to active participation in fuel supply chains. The analysis finds that successful integration of alternative fuels will depend on shared investment frameworks, harmonised regulation and coordinated development of scalable infrastructure across the aviation ecosystem. The paper concludes that while many uncertainties remain, airports must begin preparing now through adaptable infrastructure planning, early demonstration projects and cooperation across industry boundaries. Airports that embrace these strategies will position themselves as key enablers of aviation’s transition towards net zero emissions by 2050. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https:// hstalks.com/business/.