Emissions from aviation are a significant contributor to climate change. Airplanes burn fossil fuel which not only releases CO2 emissions but also has strong warming non-CO2 effects due to nitrogen oxides (NOx), vapour trails and cloud formation triggered by the altitude at which aircraft operate.

In 2026, aviation accounts for approximately 2% to 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, but its total climate impact is nearly double that when considering "non-CO2 effects" like contrails and nitrogen oxides at high altitudes. While the industry has made strides with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and more efficient engines, total emissions continue to rise as global travel demand grows. In 2026, a single long-haul flight can produce more carbon per passenger than many people in developing nations generate in an entire year. To combat this, 2026 sees the implementation of stricter carbon taxes and "green levies" on tickets, especially in Europe. The industry is currently in a "technology gap," where electric and hydrogen planes are entering the short-haul market, but long-distance flight still relies heavily on traditional kerosene, making aviation one of the most difficult sectors to "decarbonize" by the 2050 net-zero target.