Aviation emissions worldwide - statistics & facts
The air transportation sector is believed to have caused four percent of human-caused global warming to date. As one of the fastest growing sources of GHGs, the aviation industry faces pressure to address its emissions. However, as one of the so-called “hard-to-abate” sectors, and with more and more people now taking to the skies, the industry must overcome many challenges to make air travel less carbon intensive.
If left unaddressed, it is forecast that aviation’s share of global emissions will rise in the coming decades as other historically polluting sectors reduce fossil fuel reliance at a faster pace. As such, the adoption of low-carbon fuels and other sustainable solutions will need to grow far more rapidly if the aviation industry is to achieve its ambitions of net-zero flying by 2050.
Global aviation emissions are sky-high
Global aviation emissions amounted to 820 MtCO₂ in 2023, down 11 percent from the record high recorded in 2019. Although emissions halved in 2020 from the previous year due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions, they have since rebounded by more than 70 percent. International travel accounts for the largest share of the sector’s emissions. CO₂ emissions from international flights have more than doubled since 1990 as overseas travel demand increased over the past decades. With 2024 set to be a record-breaking year for airline demand, emissions from international aviation are also likely to reach new highs.Where are aviation emissions highest?
The United States is the biggest contributor to global aviation emissions, by far. In 2023, emissions from U.S. passenger and freight flights neared 215 MtCO₂ – more than double the emissions of the second-largest aviation polluter, China. More than two-thirds of U.S. aviation emissions come from domestic flights. Despite having a far lower population than the U.S. and China, the UK was the third-largest contributor to aviation emissions in 2023, with 32 MtCO₂. The majority of these emissions came from London Heathrow, which has one of the highest carbon footprints of any international airport.Inequalities in flight emissions
While flying is one of the most carbon intensive activities one can undertake, the carbon intensity of flights varies greatly by the length and class of the trip. For example, long-haul flights average around 200 g CO₂/pkm for those in economy class, the carbon footprint of those in first class for the same journey is roughly four times greater. Meanwhile, the carbon intensity of private jets averages some 1,300 g CO₂/pkm. The flying habits of the super-rich have been under increasing scrutiny in recent years due to their unbalanced environmental impacts, with celebrities in particular facing criticism.Decarbonizing the aviation sector
The aviation sector is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels. This, along with ever-increasing passenger demand, has offset any progress made in improving carbon intensity through efficiency improvements from design and technology. With flight demand set to continue rising, the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) is considered one of the most important strategies for the sector's decarbonization. But while these fuels have the potential to significantly reduce aircraft emissions, the production and use of SAFs is far below where it needs to be. In fact, this was one of the reasons that led to Air New Zealand scrapping its 2030 emissions reductions target. There are now concerns that other major airlines could follow suit due to the lack of sustainable fuel options currently available.If left unaddressed, it is forecast that aviation’s share of global emissions will rise in the coming decades as other historically polluting sectors reduce fossil fuel reliance at a faster pace. As such, the adoption of low-carbon fuels and other sustainable solutions will need to grow far more rapidly if the aviation industry is to achieve its ambitions of net-zero flying by 2050.
