IATA Calls for Stronger Global Aviation Emissions Framework as CORSIA Marks 10 Years
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on governments to strengthen the global framework for reducing aviation emissions as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) marks its tenth anniversary. Established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2016, CORSIA became the first global market-based emissions reduction mechanism covering an entire industrial sector.
More than 130 countries now participate in the programme, which is expected to have mitigated approximately 200 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions by the end of 2026. From 2027, CORSIA is projected to cover around 85% of global aviation emissions, while potentially mobilising up to $120 billion in climate financing throughout its implementation.
IATA emphasised that international cooperation remains essential to achieving aviation's environmental objectives. Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA's Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Chief Economist, highlighted CORSIA as an important example of how governments can work together to address global environmental challenges while maintaining fair competition between airlines.
The anniversary comes as the European Union reviews its Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Proposed changes could extend the scheme to destinations within 5,000 kilometres of the EU, potentially creating overlapping emissions regulations. According to IATA estimates, the proposed expansion could increase aviation compliance costs by 40%, reaching €280 billion between 2027 and 2040.
IATA has urged European policymakers to maintain CORSIA as the primary international framework rather than introducing additional regional carbon-pricing mechanisms. The association argues that revenues generated through aviation emissions programmes should be directed towards sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, infrastructure improvements and emerging technologies.
The organisation also called for stronger financial incentives to accelerate SAF production, including the removal of geographical restrictions that could limit investment in eligible sustainable fuels. These measures would support the aviation industry's broader ambition of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
As international aviation continues to face growing environmental and regulatory pressures, IATA believes that coordinated global policies, investment in cleaner technologies and expanded access to sustainable fuels will be essential to reducing emissions while preserving international connectivity and competitiveness.
Image source: iata.org
