A coalition led by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), alongside the governments of Japan and Malaysia and major aviation organisations, has issued a joint appeal at COP30 calling for renewed global alignment on aviation climate policy. The group is urging governments to reinforce the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) central role and work collectively to keep the sector on track for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Reaffirming ICAO’s Leadership and Strengthening Global Frameworks
In their statement, the signatories underscore that ICAO remains the only global authority empowered to regulate emissions from international flights and warn that fragmented national or regional measures would undermine climate progress. They stress that coordinated, international solutions, including fully implementing the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), are essential for achieving long-term decarbonisation.
CORSIA, backed by all 193 ICAO member states, is expected to channel billions of dollars into certified emissions-reduction projects, particularly in developing nations. The coalition argues that this mechanism not only supports global climate goals but also stimulates sustainable development, technology transfer, and job creation. To ensure this system delivers its full potential, the signatories call for robust participation from all governments and stronger alignment across international processes.
Advancing Climate Finance and Avoiding Ineffective Measures
A key priority for the group is operationalising Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which would allow countries to authorise the release of emissions units eligible for use under CORSIA. This step, they note, is essential for scaling up climate finance and expanding opportunities for high-quality carbon projects worldwide.
The statement also warns against relying on taxes and levies, such as ticket charges proposed by some coalitions, which the group argues do little to reduce emissions and risk diverting resources away from real decarbonisation initiatives. Such measures, they caution, could weaken air connectivity and disproportionately affect developing economies and island states.
The joint declaration reflects the shared position of governments and aviation bodies spanning every region, including A4E, AACO, ACI, AIRE, ALTA, AASA, ASPA, ATAG, ERA, IBAC, ICCAIA, NACC, and the World Travel & Tourism Council; showing broad support for a unified, globally coordinated approach to aviation climate action.
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