Following an expansion in the commercial aviation industry, the global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from total passenger and cargo aviation increased somewhat continuously since 2004. By 2019, the amount of CO2 emitted by commercial aviation increased by one-third, reaching over 900 million metric tons of CO2. During 2020, the coronavirus pandemic paralyzed global aviation; therefore, CO2 emissions declined considerably to 495 million metric tons.
Carbon dioxide emissions from commercial aviation worldwide from 2004 to 2022
(in million metric tons)
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Carbon dioxide emissions from commercial aviation worldwide from 2004 to 2022
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* This figure was taken from a previous edition which was released prior to the coronavirus outbreak and can be accessed here.
** Forecast
Figures prior to 2016 were taken from previous reports. 2021 figure was estimated.
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IATA. (October 5, 2021). Carbon dioxide emissions from commercial aviation worldwide from 2004 to 2022 (in million metric tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved April 10, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1186820/co2-emissions-commercial-aviation-worldwide/
IATA. "Carbon dioxide emissions from commercial aviation worldwide from 2004 to 2022 (in million metric tons)." Chart. October 5, 2021. Statista. Accessed April 10, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1186820/co2-emissions-commercial-aviation-worldwide/
IATA. (2021). Carbon dioxide emissions from commercial aviation worldwide from 2004 to 2022 (in million metric tons). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: April 10, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1186820/co2-emissions-commercial-aviation-worldwide/
IATA. "Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Commercial Aviation Worldwide from 2004 to 2022 (in Million Metric Tons)." Statista, Statista Inc., 5 Oct 2021, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1186820/co2-emissions-commercial-aviation-worldwide/
IATA, Carbon dioxide emissions from commercial aviation worldwide from 2004 to 2022 (in million metric tons) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1186820/co2-emissions-commercial-aviation-worldwide/ (last visited April 10, 2025)
Carbon dioxide emissions from commercial aviation worldwide from 2004 to 2022 (in million metric tons) [Graph], IATA, October 5, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1186820/co2-emissions-commercial-aviation-worldwide/
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