ACI EUROPE: Over 300 European Airports Commit to Net Zero Goals, Revealing Roadmaps for 2050

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ACI EUROPE revealed significant progress in the European airport sector’s pledge to reach net zero carbon emissions. As it stands, 303 airports have presented clear roadmaps to achieve net zero by 2050, showing a strong commitment through practical steps. These airports account for 80% of air passenger traffic in Europe, indicating that the majority are actively pursuing this common goal. Out of these, 118 airports are pursuing more aggressive goals with timelines set for 2030 or sooner.

Enhancements to the Airport Industry Resolution

The announcement today builds on critical enhancements to the ACI EUROPE Resolution which mandates European airports to attain and sustain net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest. Initially adopted in 2019 and annually updated, the Resolution now includes a growing number of airports with bolder targets and incorporates stricter engagement criteria. Last year’s amendment added a requirement for airports to publish their net zero roadmaps within a year, aligning with the 2022 UN Guidance on net zero pledges. Consequently, the ACI EUROPE website now hosts over 80 roadmaps from 303 airports across 36 countries, promoting transparency and accountability in the sector’s progress toward net zero.

Results from Airport Climate Initiatives

The airport industry’s unified climate initiatives continue to deliver substantial results, with increased involvement and year-on-year emissions reductions through the Airport Carbon Accreditation program.

Currently, 290 European airports are recognized for their carbon management efforts, with 47 achieving certification levels compliant with the Paris Agreement goals. Together, these airports have prevented the emission of 500,000 tonnes of CO2 in the latest program cycle (May 2022 – May 2023).

In December 2023, ACI introduced an unprecedented accreditation level — Level 5 — marking a significant step in enhancing the sector’s climate objectives. This new standard provides a framework for decarbonization, certifying airports that achieve a net zero carbon balance for controlled emissions (Scope 1 and 2) and enhance efforts across all emissions (Scope 3). Thirteen European airports have already achieved this landmark certification.

Urgent Call to Action

With the updated resolution, ACI EUROPE and its member airports reassert their unwavering commitment to achieving a net zero aviation sector and support the European Commission’s aim for a climate-neutral Europe by 2050 and the EU Green Deal. The industry also urges stronger collaboration among all parties, including EU officials and national governments, to overcome the primary challenge of transitioning air transport to a sustainable, competitive net zero future.