Environmental impact of aviation

Aircraft engines produce gases, noise, and particulates from fossil fuel combustion, which can harm the environment. Jet airliners add to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxides, contrails, and particulates. In 2018, global flights made up 2.4% of all CO₂ emissions.

Jet airliners are getting more fuel efficient, but more people are flying, so emissions keep going up. By 2020, aviation emissions were 70% higher than in 2005.

Aircraft noise pollution can disturb sleep and affect learning for children. Airports can sometimes cause water pollution if chemicals from jet fuel or deicing get into nearby water. Aviation also releases ozone and ultrafine particles, which can be health hazards.

There are many ways to lessen aviation’s impact on the environment. These include improving fuel economy in aircraft, better air traffic control and flight routes, using aviation biofuel, emissions trading, and carbon offsetting. New ideas like hybrid electric aircraft, electric aircraft, and hydrogen-powered aircraft might replace regular planes in the future. Since 2021, aviation groups have aimed to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Climate change

See also: radiative forcing

Airplanes release gases like carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide, as well as tiny particles into the air. These gases can change our planet's climate. The most well-known gas is carbon dioxide, which traps heat and warms the Earth.

Flying also makes visible lines of clouds called contrails. These contrails can trap more heat and add to climate change. Even though we know a lot about how airplanes affect the climate, some effects, like how clouds form from airplane smoke, are still being studied. As more people fly each year, the impact of flying on our climate keeps growing.

Noise

Main article: Aircraft noise pollution

Air traffic causes aircraft noise, which can bother people living near airports. It might make it hard for children to sleep or focus at school. Living close to airports can also affect health. Some places have rules to limit flying at night to help with noise.

Newer airplanes have quieter engines. Special designs, like serrated edges, help lower noise. Planes that use a Continuous Descent Approach make less noise when landing because they use less engine power during the approach.

Water pollution

Airports can cause water pollution because they use a lot of jet fuel and chemicals. Special tools help stop or clean up spills.

When it is very cold, airports use special liquids to keep runways safe. These liquids can go into nearby water and harm fish and other water animals. Scientists are looking for safer ways to protect water life.

Main article: Aircraft deicing fluid

Air pollution

Air travel creates pollution that can affect our health. Planes produce ozone, which can harm people’s lungs. Aircraft engines also release very tiny particles, especially near airports, which can be harmful too.

In the United States, many small airplanes use a special fuel called Avgas that contains lead. This lead can get into the air and may be bad for people, especially babies and young children, because it might affect how their brains develop.

Private jet travel

A study from 2024 showed that private jet travel added a lot of carbon dioxide to the air in 2023. Even though only a small number of people use private jets, these flights add to the gases that warm our planet.

The study found that many of these trips were short, under 500 kilometers, and some flights had no passengers at all. Experts think the number of private jets will grow in the next few years.

Mitigation

Aviation can help the environment by flying less, choosing better routes, and using cleaner fuels. New technology like electric planes can also reduce harm to the air and climate.

In 2016, the International Civil Aviation Organization agreed to make planes use less fuel and keep carbon pollution steady after 2020. They plan to use better plane designs, cleaner fuels, and smarter flight paths. In Europe, airlines are working together to reach zero carbon pollution by 2050 using better planes and smarter flying methods. The airline industry aims to reach net-zero carbon pollution by 2050 through many actions to cut down on harmful emissions.