European airports strengthen net zero commitment with new roadmaps and tougher transparency requirements

ACI EUROPE has released an update to its NET ZERO Resolution, marking significant progress in airport climate efforts across the continent. The updated resolution reveals that 314 airports in 36 European countries have now publicly disclosed their roadmaps to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with 122 of these airports setting even more ambitious targets of reaching net zero by 2030 or earlier. This represents an increase of 11 and 4 airports, respectively, from the previous year.

Progress towards net zero: European airports increase commitments and transparency

Collectively, these airports account for 87 per cent of European air passenger traffic, underlining the widespread industry commitment to climate action. The NET ZERO Resolution, first adopted in 2019 and reviewed annually, was strengthened in 2023 to require airports to publish their net zero plans within one year of committing. This move aligns with 2022 UN guidance, which advises that non-state net zero pledges be backed by public, actionable strategies.

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, praised the initiative. “The airport industry is taking real and determined steps towards making aviation carbon neutral. 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. Airports are not just making promises, they’re taking real action and setting a strong example.”

The ACI EUROPE repository now features over 100 publicly available roadmaps, enhancing transparency and accountability in the sector’s transition to net zero. Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, reinforced the urgency of this work. “Reaffirming our commitment to net zero and making tangible progress towards delivery is more important than ever, considering the latest scientific warnings over climate change and the push back against climate action in some quarters. 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. 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.”

Positive results from airport climate efforts are already evident. The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme continues to drive progress, with 286 European airports certified for carbon management. In the most recent reporting period (May 2023 to May 2024), these airports collectively prevented 280,000 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

In a global first, ACI introduced Level 5 of accreditation in December 2023, certifying airports for achieving a net zero balance for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and extending requirements to include Scope 3 emissions. Seventeen European airports have already achieved this milestone, reinforcing the region’s leadership in aviation climate action.

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