Heathrow Pilots Green Hydrogen Shuttle to Cut Airport Emissions

In a first for UK airports, Heathrow is trialling hydrogen-powered buses to transport passengers between terminals.

13 June 2025 at 03:25 | By Dr Alison Hamilton

Heathrow Airport is testing a fleet of hydrogen-powered shuttle buses in a bid to reduce emissions and modernize its ground transportation system. The initiative, part of a broader push toward sustainable aviation, makes Heathrow the first UK airport to pilot this green technology.

The trial began this spring, with three buses ferrying passengers between terminals. Unlike traditional diesel shuttles, these vehicles emit only water vapor, eliminating carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides from their operation.

Heathrow’s sustainability director, Sarah Duncan, emphasized the airport’s commitment to net-zero goals. “Ground operations are a critical part of our emissions footprint. Hydrogen gives us a clean, scalable solution.”

The buses were manufactured by a consortium of UK-based firms with expertise in fuel cell technology. Refueling is done onsite at a temporary hydrogen station installed for the pilot program.

Passengers have responded positively. “It’s quieter and smells better than the diesel ones,” noted one frequent flyer. The ride quality is also reportedly smoother, thanks to electric drive systems.

If successful, the airport intends to phase in hydrogen vehicles more broadly — including cargo vans and support vehicles — as infrastructure and supply chains mature.

The pilot is supported by the UK Department for Transport, which sees hydrogen as a key piece of the country’s broader climate strategy. Heathrow’s findings will help inform national transportation policies going forward.

Industry experts caution that hydrogen tech still faces hurdles, particularly around cost and fuel availability. However, Heathrow’s trial is seen as an important test case for large-scale airport use.

This initiative follows a string of green upgrades at Heathrow, including electric baggage tractors and solar-powered lighting on runways. The airport aims to become a leader in sustainable aviation operations.

As global airports grapple with climate targets, Heathrow’s hydrogen shuttle program may signal the start of a cleaner, quieter era in airport mobility.