UNEP, ICAO Launch $82.5m FIRE Project to Eliminate Toxic Foams at Airports

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have launched the Fortifying Infrastructure for Responsible Extinguishment (FIRE) Project, a landmark initiative designed to eliminate toxic firefighting foams at major airports across Africa.

The project will support Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa in phasing out the use of firefighting foams containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), harmful “forever chemicals” that persist in the environment and pose significant risks to both ecosystems and human health.

A Major Step Towards Safer Aviation

The FIRE project represents an $82.5 million investment, including a $10 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and $72.5 million in co-financing from partners, making it one of the most ambitious chemical phase-out programmes in the aviation sector.

PFAS, widely used in firefighting foams, have been linked to cancer, immune system disruption, and contamination of soil and groundwater. Their persistence and toxicity have led to growing international concern and regulatory action.

Leaders Welcome Initiative

Anil Sookdeo, Senior Chemicals Specialist at the GEF, highlighted the programme’s potential global impact.

“The FIRE project shows how sector-focused action can drive the elimination of hazardous chemicals across value chains. The GEF is proud to support this effort, which we hope will inspire both participating countries and the wider aviation sector to transition to PFAS-free firefighting foams.”

Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division, said the project demonstrates that economic viability and environmental protection can work hand in hand.

“FIRE empowers countries to eliminate one of the most harmful groups of pollutants found in firefighting foams. It supports a practical transition to safer, accessible, and affordable alternatives, while ensuring that airport safety standards are not compromised.”

Phasing Out PFAS at Airports

The project will directly work with airports in the five countries to transition from PFAS-based foams to fluorine-free firefighting foams, ensuring safety, reliability, and operational integrity.

Key outcomes of the programme include:

• Safe removal of 4,500 tonnes of PFAS-contaminated material from fire trucks and storage facilities.

• Disposal of 130 tonnes of PFAS-based foam concentrate in environmentally sound ways.

• Deployment of fluorine-free foams that meet international aviation safety standards.

Dr Mohamud Gedi, CEO and Managing Director of Kenya’s Airport Authority, emphasised the health and environmental benefits.

“By phasing out harmful PFAS chemicals from firefighting foams, we are safeguarding our communities and contributing to a cleaner, safer future for all.”

Global Aviation and Environmental Impact

Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary General, underlined the importance of industry-wide change.

“The adoption of safer and more sustainable firefighting practices at airports worldwide is a very significant step. This project helps ensure that aviation remains not only safe, but also sustainable in its operations.”

The programme aligns with broader international commitments under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, which recently listed several PFAS chemicals as substances requiring urgent global action.

Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, described PFAS as an “invisible pollution time bomb”, stressing that the FIRE initiative exemplifies how multilateral cooperation can transform high-risk practices and accelerate safer alternatives.

Part of a Wider Global Effort

The FIRE Project is part of a larger portfolio of UNEP–GEF initiatives addressing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). These efforts aim to monitor, regulate, and eliminate toxic substances, protecting human health and advancing environmental sustainability.

For Africa, the project is particularly significant as it demonstrates that developing regions can lead by example in phasing out dangerous chemicals, setting a precedent for global aviation and other sectors.

Looking Ahead

By transitioning airports away from PFAS-based foams, the FIRE Project will not only strengthen safety at aviation hubs but also reduce long-term environmental contamination risks, protecting communities and ecosystems across participating countries.

Ultimately, FIRE shows how targeted investments in sustainability can deliver triple dividends: safeguarding public health, reducing ecological damage, and maintaining operational effectiveness in critical infrastructure like aviation.