The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will use the UN climate conference COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November to advocate faster emissions reductions in international aviation and stronger cooperation. Its programme includes events on sustainable aviation partnerships across the UN system and aviation’s circular economy, alongside briefings for UN climate delegates. ICAO will present its existing approach, centred on a goal of net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050; no new binding measure is planned.
ICAO’s strategy combines cleaner aviation energy, technology, operational improvements and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). At the start of the scheme’s second phase in 2027, routes involving 134 states will be covered by offsetting requirements, representing close to 90% of international aviation CO₂ emissions, according to ICAO. Participation in the earlier phases has been voluntary.
The organisation also reports that certified CORSIA-eligible fuel volumes more than doubled in 2025, reaching 0.42 million tonnes and associated with an estimated 1.1 million tonnes of avoided CO₂ emissions. Its emissions-reduction State Action Plan initiative covers 155 countries, representing more than 99% of global air traffic. ICAO’s relevant initiatives received unanimous endorsement at its October 2025 Assembly.
ICAO’s COP31 work concerns international aviation emissions. Domestic flight operations fall under the UN climate framework and the Paris Agreement. The conference appearance is intended to explain ICAO’s approach and develop partnerships.