Photo: ACI Europe
In line with the release of airport trade body ACI Europe’s updated net zero resolution, 314 airports across 36 European countries have disclosed their roadmap towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
ACI’s Net Zero Resolution was first adopted in 2019 and is reviewed each year. In 2023 the Resolution required airports to publish their roadmaps and outline their progress to achieving net zero for those emissions under their direct control (scope 1 and 2). Today the repository, which is publicly available, features over 100 roadmaps.
Over a third of the airports signed up to ACI’s resolution are aiming to achieve net zero by 2030, two decades ahead of the industry’s widely acknowledged 2050 deadline.
Collectively the 314 airports account for 87 per cent of European air passenger traffic.
Airports are taking real action
“The airport industry is taking real and determined steps towards making aviation carbon neutral,” said Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism.
“At this important moment for the aviation sector, airports are showing true leadership by setting bold goals and speeding up the move to more sustainable and resilient air travel. This fits perfectly with the EU’s goals: keeping Europe in the lead on sustainable aviation, encouraging innovation, improving efficiency and cutting emissions.”
He added: “Airports are not just making promises – they’re taking real action and setting a stronger example.”
Tangible progress towards net zero
Oliver Jankovec, ACI Europe’s Director General reaffirmed that, “making tangible progress towards delivery is more important than ever.” The roadmaps demonstrate how Europe’s airports are “very clear that this is a non-negotiable imperative that commands our license, not just to grow but to keep operating,” he continued. “In all of that, transparency is key – and this growing body of public roadmaps demonstrates our sector’s readiness to act and be held accountable.”
To date, 286 airports in Europe are certified for carbon management within Airport Carbon Accreditation, which provides a framework to help airports reduce their carbon emissions and those of their stakeholders. Collectively these airports have saved 280,000 tonnes of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere.
