ICAO pushes for stronger CORSIA cooperation among member states to align aviation carbon offset rules

ICAO is calling on member states to maintain a globally harmonized approach under the CORSIA carbon offset program for international aviation. The scheme is currently in its voluntary first phase with 126 participating states, and a mandatory second phase is set to run from 2027 to 2035. ICAO argues that alignment is critical to ensure fair competition, transparency, and trust as countries move from planning to implementation. CORSIA remains the only global system allowing carbon credits to offset emissions from international flights, and it also supports sustainable aviation fuel adoption at scale. The article notes that at the 42nd ICAO Assembly in late 2025, the scheme received unanimous support. However, the voluntary nature of the first phase and the upcoming mandatory phase highlight the need for continued diplomatic effort to keep all major aviation markets on the same rules.