Towards Net Zero Aviation: Exploring Safe Hydrogen Refuelling at Airports

Hydrogen flight is one important part of the way to net zero aviation. However, safety challenges around refuelling are not well understood but are paramount to enable airports to be more comfortable with using hydrogen in the airport environment. This study investigates safety considerations of hydrogen aircraft refuelling at airports. Technical and human factor risks are explored as well as risk assessment models. Two focus groups were conducted in 2022. Data was analysed using NVivo, revealing major themes including the mental and physical performance of refuellers, technical aspects of refuelling stations, environmental factors, and the use of risk assessment models. These findings contribute significantly to an understanding of hydrogen refuelling challenges in busy airport environments. Recommendations help airports preparing for hydrogen as a fuel source, further supporting the transition towards net zero aviation. Future research could focus on carrying out experiments analysing chemical reactions between kerosene and hydrogen vapours and testing the identified risk assessment tools in different airport environments.