Global Leading Market Research Publisher QYResearch announces the release of its latest report “Airport Carbon Accreditation - Global Market Share and Ranking, Overall Sales and Demand Forecast 2026-2032”. Based on current situation and impact historical analysis (2021-2025) and forecast calculations (2026-2032), this report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global Airport Carbon Accreditation market, including market size, share, demand, industry development status, and forecasts for the next few years.
The global market for Airport Carbon Accreditation was valued at approximately US
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Market Context: The Growing Imperative for Airport Carbon Certification
The airport carbon accreditation market is gaining significant momentum as the aviation sector faces intensifying regulatory pressure and stakeholder demand for tangible climate action. Airport Carbon Accreditation, administered by Airports Council International (ACI), is the only institutionally endorsed, global carbon management certification programme specifically designed for airports. It independently assesses and recognises airport efforts to manage and reduce carbon emissions through seven progressive levels of certification: Level 1 (Mapping), Level 2 (Reduction), Level 3 (Optimisation), Level 3+ (Neutrality), Level 4 (Transformation), Level 4+ (Transition), and Level 5 (Net Zero).
The market's growth is propelled by three primary drivers: tightening environmental regulations globally, the aviation industry's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, and technological advancements in carbon management systems, including the integration of AI and IoT for enhanced data accuracy and reporting efficiencies. As of March 2026, 590 airports across 91 countries and territories were accredited under the programme, with 104 new airports joining during the reporting period from May 2024 to May 2025. These accredited airports collectively welcomed 53.6% of global passenger traffic.
Competitive Landscape and Market Segmentation
The airport carbon accreditation market is segmented as below:
Key Players: Bureau Veritas, EIC, GEP Environmental, Pangolin Associates, DNV, GUTcert, Verifavia, QSI, ETSverification, Bell Energy
Segment by Type: Level 1 Accreditation, Level 2 Accreditation, Level 3 Accreditation, Level 4 Accreditation, Others
Segment by Application: Commercial Airport, Non-commercial Airport
The competitive landscape consists primarily of verification and certification service providers that audit and validate airport carbon inventories against ACA standards. Major players include global certification bodies such as Bureau Veritas, DNV, and TÜV SÜD, alongside specialised environmental consultancies like GEP Environmental and Verifavia. While the market remains relatively fragmented, the increasing complexity of accreditation—particularly at higher levels requiring Scope 3 emissions engagement and third-party stakeholder collaboration—is driving consolidation toward firms with deep sector expertise.
Accreditation Levels: From Mapping to Net Zero
A distinctive feature of the airport carbon accreditation market is its tiered certification structure, which enables airports to progressively enhance their carbon management capabilities:
Levels 1–3 focus on carbon mapping, reduction, and optimisation, representing the entry points for most airports. By the end of the reporting period, 21 airports had reached Level 5, achieving net zero for emissions under their direct control and committing to reach net zero for Scope 3 emissions by 2050. Notable Level 5 airports include Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, and Christchurch Airport.
Level 4 and Level 4+ require airports to go beyond measuring and managing their own Scope 1 and 2 emissions to actively reduce absolute emissions across the airport ecosystem and engage third parties. Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) joined the programme directly at Level 4 in 2026, while Arar Airport in Saudi Arabia upgraded to Level 4+.
Level 5 represents the pinnacle, requiring airports to demonstrate ≥90% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 CO₂e emissions, with residual emissions addressed through approved offset removals.
From April 2026, the programme has phased out Level 3+ entry applications, reflecting a strategic shift toward higher ambition levels and accelerating the transition to net zero.
Regional Market Dynamics and Recent Developments
Europe continues to lead global airport carbon accreditation initiatives, with stricter emissions regulations and governmental support for green airport operations positioning it as the key market hub. In July 2026, nine Aena airports in Spain—including Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona El Prat, and Madrid Barajas—renewed or upgraded their certification. Trieste Airport in Italy reached Level 4 with a target of net zero CO₂ emissions by 2028.
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, with 102 accredited airports, including 41 certified at higher programme levels. Seven airports in the region have already achieved Level 5. During the RACE 2026 conference in Bangkok, 19 airports were recognised for their achievements. Uzbekistan Airports JSC brought nine international airports into the programme at Level 1 in July 2026.
Latin America is demonstrating strong growth momentum: in February 2026, 11 Aena Brasil airports achieved Level 1 accreditation, bringing all 17 Aena Brasil airports into the programme. ACI LAC reports that 121 airports in Latin America and the Caribbean are now certified.
North America remains a significant market, with airports such as Albuquerque International Sunport achieving Level 2 in early 2026. The region benefits from established regulatory frameworks and high passenger traffic volumes.
Technology Trends and Operational Impact
Recent technological developments are reshaping the airport carbon accreditation landscape:
AI-Enabled Emissions Monitoring: The implementation of Artificial Intelligence and IoT technologies is enhancing data accuracy and reporting efficiencies, enabling airports to track emissions in real time and identify reduction opportunities more precisely.
Electrification and Renewable Energy: Airports are increasingly investing in fleet electrification, on-site renewable energy generation, and energy-efficient infrastructure. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport achieved net zero emissions in 2025—one year ahead of its 2026 target—through a combination of emissions reduction and local reforestation offsets.
Scope 3 Engagement: Higher accreditation levels require airports to actively address Scope 3 emissions, engaging airlines, ground handlers, and other stakeholders in collaborative decarbonisation efforts.
The market has demonstrated measurable impact: accredited airports collectively reduced their Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 542,559 tonnes of CO₂e, an 8.1% decrease during the reporting period. Average emissions per passenger fell to 1.54 kg CO₂e, a 30.6% reduction compared with the three-year rolling average.
Future Outlook (2026–2032)
The airport carbon accreditation market is poised for sustained growth, driven by several converging factors:
Regulatory Tailwinds: The ICAO's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and regional frameworks like the EU ETS continue to incentivise carbon management and verification.
Expanding Participation: The focus is shifting toward smaller and regional airports adopting carbon accreditation measures, enabling broader participation in global sustainability efforts.
Higher Ambition Levels: With Level 3+ phased out from April 2026, airports are being encouraged to pursue Level 4 and Level 5 directly, driving demand for more sophisticated verification and advisory services.
Sustainability as Business Imperative: As Olivier Jankovec, Chair of the Airport Carbon Accreditation Board, noted: "Airports are well aware that no matter what, their license to operate and grow will remain conditional on the decarbonisation of aviation".
For market participants—including certification bodies, environmental consultancies, and technology providers—the key success factors include developing integrated carbon management solutions, offering scalable verification services for airports of all sizes, and providing advisory support for Scope 3 engagement and net-zero pathway planning.
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