Aviation and Tourism Leaders Urge Stronger Global Cooperation at COP30

Aviation and Tourism Leaders Call for Coordinated Global Action on Climate at COP30

Global aviation, travel, and tourism leaders, together with the governments of Japan and Malaysia, have issued a joint statement at COP30 urging strengthened international cooperation to support the sector’s transition to net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050. The announcement was made by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and a coalition of industry associations and government partners.

The signatories reaffirm that ICAO remains the designated global forum for regulating international aviation emissions under the frameworks established by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. They caution that fragmented policies or unilateral actions could hinder progress, reduce connectivity, and divert resources from effective emissions-reduction initiatives.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC Interim President & CEO, said: “Travel & Tourism relies on a strong and competitive aviation system. WTTC does not support new climate taxes that push costs onto travellers and add unnecessary pressure on the sector. What we need are practical, scalable solutions that accelerate decarbonisation and expand access to climate finance. Aviation is the backbone of global travel and we should have a focus on measures that strengthen its ability to connect people and support economies.”

Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, said: “Aviation is a catalyst for global connectivity and economic development. To achieve net zero emissions by 2050, governments must reaffirm ICAO’s role as the single global authority, fully implement CORSIA, and operationalize Article 6 to unlock climate finance for developing nations. Fragmented taxes and levies will not cut emissions. They risk diverting funds from actual emission reduction investments, which is a critical climate consideration, and will only weaken connectivity and harm those who depend on it most.”

Key Points from the Joint Statement

ICAO’s Central Role

The statement confirms ICAO as the primary forum for regulating international aviation emissions, with responsibility grounded in long-established UN frameworks. The signatories encourage governments to support ICAO’s leadership and avoid parallel or duplicative mechanisms.

Strengthening CORSIA

CORSIA continues to play an important role in the sector’s decarbonisation efforts. During its First Phase (2024–2026), airlines are expected to purchase more than 200 million credits, valued at USD 4–5 billion. The scheme is projected to offset nearly 2 billion credits through 2035 and deliver climate finance benefits to developing economies.

By 2027, CORSIA is estimated to cover at least 85% of international aviation emissions and may generate more than USD 120 billion in climate finance between 2024 and 2035.

Accelerating Article 6 Implementation

The signatories call for faster progress in implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. They encourage host countries to issue Letters of Authorisation and facilitate the release of CORSIA-eligible emissions units, which are considered essential for mobilising climate finance and supporting low-carbon development.

Taxes and Levies Are Not Emissions-Reduction Measures

The statement highlights that taxes and levies, including proposals from coalitions such as the Global Solidarity Levy Task Force, are primarily designed for revenue generation rather than emissions reduction. Such measures could reduce connectivity, limit economic opportunities, and disproportionately affect developing and small island states that depend on air transport for economic activity.

Signatories

Governments:

• Japan

• Malaysia

Industry Associations and Organisations:

• Airlines for Europe (A4E)
• Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO)
• Airports Council International (ACI)
• Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA)
• Airlines International Representation in Europe (AIRE)
• Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA)
• Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA)
• Air Transport Action Group (ATAG)
• European Regions Airline Association (ERA)
• International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• International Business Aviation Council (IBAC)
• International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA)
• National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC)
• World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)