Airport Carbon Accreditation Year 16 results: global progress with strong results in Europe

The latest Annual Report of Airport Carbon Accreditation shows that airports worldwide continue to make steady and measurable progress on climate action. Covering the period from May 2024 to May 2025, the programme continues to grow in both scale and impact across the aviation sector.

A total of 590 airports across 91 countries and territories were accredited during the reporting period, with 104 joining for the first time. Together, these airports welcomed 53.6% of global passenger traffic. At the same time, they reduced their Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 542,559 tonnes of CO₂e, representing an 8.1% decrease. This reduction is equivalent to the emissions generated by producing around 136,000 tonnes of chocolate and was achieved while passenger traffic continued to recover and expand.

In Europe, the results underline the region’s leading role in airport climate action. With the highest number of accredited airports, a total of 265 airports were certified, representing close to 80% of European passenger traffic. These airports reduced their Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 108,795 tonnes of CO₂e over the reporting period.

Progress at the higher levels of the programme is particularly notable. Across Europe, 54 airports have reached Levels 4 or 4+, aligning their long-term carbon management strategies with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. The region also has the highest number of Level 5 airports, with 17 airports already achieving net zero emissions for those under their direct control and committing to address Scope 3 emissions by 2050.

These results show that European airports are maintaining momentum while setting the pace in carbon management and emissions reduction. By decarbonising their operations and aligning with long-term climate goals, they continue to contribute to the wider decarbonisation of air transport.

Download your copy of the report here.