Airport environmental performance is typically measured by passenger throughput or aircraft movements, but these metrics miss the bigger picture.
We've analyzed 36.7 million flights to rank the top 100 airports based on fuel uptake from departing aircraft, the most direct indicator of actual CO₂ emissions.
The key finding?
Fewer aircraft movements don't necessarily mean lower emissions. Flight distance, aircraft types, and operational efficiency create substantial carbon intensity variations across airports with similar traffic volumes. An airport with long-haul widebody departures may generate significantly higher emissions than one with double the movements but shorter regional flights.
Want to see where your airport ranks?
Request the complete 2024 Airport Sustainability Index to access full rankings, methodology, and insights into what drives carbon performance across the world's busiest airports.
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