Sustainability and Environment
IBA Shows Carbon Intensity Dip but Emissions Still Rising
Airlines are improving operational efficiency but not cutting total carbon
IBA carbon intensity data
While carbon emitted on a revenue passenger kilometer basis has fallen, total emissions have kept increasing, according to IBA data.

Total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from global flight activity have continued to increase, despite progress by the airline sector in cutting “carbon intensity” on a revenue tonne kilometer (RTK) basis, according to new analysis by the IBA consultancy. A report issued on Monday showed that CO2 emissions in 2025 were higher than pre-Covid levels at 960 million tonnes, representing a 2.7% increase over 2019 due to traffic growth.

The overall increase occurred even though commercial carriers reduced carbon intensity from 860 grams per RTK in 2018 to 690 grams, representing a 20% improvement. IBA’s analysts said that the contrast between the two sets of figures highlights the challenges the industry faces in meeting its target of net-zero emissions in 2050.