The transition to hydrogen-powered aviation is not without its challenges. While setbacks such as the delay in Airbus’s flagship ZEROe program and a revised roadmap from the European aviation industry have raised concerns, the need for robust infrastructure is more urgent than ever. Despite uncertain timelines, the focus on hydrogen remains steadfast, with governments and industry leaders recognising the critical role infrastructure plays in enabling its adoption.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen Challenge, along with growing governmental support, underscores the urgent need for airports to implement hydrogen fuel storage, refuelling solutions, and efficient supply chains. As small hydrogen-powered aircraft are expected to be tested in the coming years, airports must plan for the scaling up of hydrogen infrastructure, extending beyond aircraft to include airside and landside vehicles as well. Hydrogen adoption will require significant investments in safety, security, equipment, new supply chain partnerships, land-use changes, and storage facilities.
Airports, fuel suppliers, and aerospace leaders must collaborate to develop scalable, cost-effective hydrogen storage, distribution, and refuelling solutions to support the first wave of commercial hydrogen aircraft. This panel will bring together key stakeholders driving hydrogen infrastructure development to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. From early-stage hydrogen hubs at airports to long-term investments in pipelines and integrated energy systems, panellists will explore how to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen technologies, align regulatory frameworks, and ensure the aviation sector is ready for large-scale hydrogen operations. With major industry initiatives already underway, this session will offer valuable insights into the next critical steps required to make hydrogen a viable, widespread solution for aviation decarbonisation.
