Airports across the globe are intensifying their commitment to sustainability, with new data from Airports Council International (ACI) revealing significant progress under its flagship Airport Carbon Accreditation initiative. The latest annual report highlights both the scale of participation and measurable emissions reductions, underscoring aviation’s growing focus on climate responsibility.
Expanding Global Participation
According to ACI, a total of 590 airports across 91 countries and territories were accredited under the programme between May 2024 and May 2025, including 104 new entrants. These airports collectively account for 53.6 per cent of global passenger traffic—meaning that more than half of all air travellers worldwide now pass through facilities actively engaged in carbon management and reduction strategies.
This expanding footprint reflects the increasing alignment of airport operators with global sustainability goals, even as passenger volumes continue to recover and grow.
Measurable Emissions Reductions
The report indicates that accredited airports achieved a reduction of 542,559 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (CO2e) in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions during the reporting period—an 8.1 per cent decline. These categories include direct emissions from airport-controlled sources and indirect emissions from purchased energy, marking a critical area of operational decarbonisation.
Efficiency gains were also evident at a per-passenger level. Average emissions per traveller dropped to 1.54 kg of CO2e, while emissions per traffic unit declined to 1.34 kg. These figures represent reductions of 30.6 per cent and 26.8 per cent respectively compared to the three-year rolling average, highlighting improved environmental performance despite increased traffic volumes.
Milestone Achievements in Net-Zero Targets
A notable milestone in the programme’s evolution is the advancement of airports to its highest certification tier. By the end of the reporting period, 21 airports had achieved Level 5 accreditation—the programme’s most rigorous standard. These airports have reached net-zero emissions for sources under their direct control and have committed to achieving net-zero across broader value-chain emissions (Scope 3) by 2050.
Level 5 accreditation also introduces stricter requirements for carbon offsetting. Participating airports must invest in high-quality carbon removal projects rather than traditional reduction offsets. To date, 20,754 tonnes of CO2e in removal offsets have been procured, with the majority sourced through the Verified Carbon Standard, largely supporting afforestation initiatives.
Climate Action as a Business Imperative
Industry leaders emphasise that sustainability is no longer optional but central to the future of aviation. Olivier Jankovec, Chair of the Airport Carbon Accreditation Board and Director General of ACI Europe, noted that the findings are both “reassuring and encouraging” amid increasing global debate around climate action.
He highlighted that airports recognise their long-term growth and operational viability are closely tied to decarbonisation efforts. Beyond improving efficiencies, carbon reduction is now seen as essential to safeguarding air connectivity and ensuring regulatory and societal acceptance.
A Sector Moving Towards Sustainable Growth
Now in its 16th year, the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme continues to serve as a benchmark for environmental stewardship within the aviation industry. The latest results demonstrate that airports are not only responding to climate challenges but are actively leading efforts to reduce emissions while accommodating rising travel demand.
As global tourism and air travel continue to rebound, the progress achieved under the programme offers a strong indication that sustainability and growth can advance in tandem—positioning airports as key drivers in the transition toward a lower-carbon future.
