TOWARDS A GREEN SKY: CARBON REDUCTION POLICIES AND PRACTICES IN THE AVIATION SECTOR

The rapidly increasing airline transportation on a global scale undertakes a critical role in terms of economic growth and international interaction, while it is located at the center of sustainability discussions due to its effects on carbon emissions and climate change. Current systems based on fossil fuels increase greenhouse gas emissions and deepen environmental and social risks. Today, international agreements, regulatory mechanisms, and technological innovations make a low-carbon transformation in the sector compulsory. Sustainable aviation fuels, next-generation solutions such as electric and hydrogen aircraft are supported by carbon trading and offsetting mechanisms; at the same time, national policies and sectoral practices accelerate this transformation process. Türkiye, through its aviation policies, fleet modernization, green airport practices, and steps toward the use of alternative fuels, reveals its potential to comply with global targets. In general, strategies for carbon reduction in the aviation sector require a multidimensional approach based not only on technological innovations but also on institutional cooperation, economic incentives, and the enhancement of social awareness. In this article, global policies on climate change and carbon emissions have been examined, and the reflections of international regulations on the aviation sector have been discussed. In addition, the agreements signed by Türkiye, the strategies it has implemented, and institutional initiatives in the sector have been evaluated; technological innovations for sustainable aviation, green airport practices, and leading studies in the literature have been analyzed in a comprehensive manner.

Keywords

Aviation, Carbon Emissions, Climate Change, Environmental Sustainability