Air travel demand is projected to double by 2050, creating a conflict with international net zero carbon emissions targets. To manage this, governments must reform aviation policy to integrate sustainable infrastructure and cleaner energy sources into airport expansion plans. Decarbonizing the sector requires scaling sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), updating electrical grids for ground operations, and reforming airport slot rules to reward emissions efficiency. Without coordinated global policy, the industry faces significant investment gaps and fragmented regulation.
