Global airlines have issued their most forceful warning to date that the aviation sector’s commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 is faltering, amid growing frustration over what they see as a lack of urgency from fuel providers and other key industry players.
Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), said the imbalance in responsibility is becoming increasingly evident, with airlines shouldering the bulk of the burden while others fail to meet their commitments.
“We don’t see others playing their part. In fact, they’re behind where they should be and moving in the wrong direction,” Walsh told in an interview with a media house. “They’re all committed, so long as we pay the bill. And that’s just unacceptable.”
Airlines globally adopted the 2050 net-zero goal in 2021, hinging largely on a transition to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). But progress has been slower than expected, with growing tensions between airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, air traffic control agencies, and energy companies.
Walsh, the former head of British Airways, said airline executives are now increasingly vocal in their concerns that the costs and expectations are disproportionately skewed towards carriers, while others reap the reputational benefits without taking meaningful action.
His remarks signal a notable shift in tone from IATA’s gathering just 10 months ago, when Walsh described the net-zero target as “existential, not optional,” and praised a shared commitment across the aviation ecosystem.
“We’re going to have to re-evaluate the commitment to net zero in 2050 because we’re just not getting the support that airlines require,” he said. “There’s growing concern that the costs will exceed even the eye-watering estimates we’ve already seen.”
The issue is expected to come to a head at IATA’s annual meeting in New Delhi in June. While a formal review of the net-zero goal is not currently on the agenda, Walsh acknowledged that pressure from member airlines could prompt a reassessment.
Fuel firms, airports under scrutiny
Walsh took particular aim at fuel producers, accusing them of failing to deliver on SAF supply promises. He also dismissed a government-backed interim goal of cutting emissions by 5% by 2030 through low-carbon fuels, noting that SAF currently accounts for just 1% of aviation fuel use.
“They’ve got to start playing their part,” he said, warning that airlines will spend an additional $3.8 billion on fuel this year due to government mandates and broader environmental pledges.
FuelsEurope, the industry group representing energy companies, did not respond to requests for comment.
Airlines are also grappling with persistent delays in the delivery of new, more fuel-efficient aircraft. Walsh said manufacturers remain committed to producing these jets, but are hampered by global supply chain constraints.
Meanwhile, Walsh criticised the slow pace of long-planned reforms to Europe’s fragmented airspace system. He argued that airports and air traffic control authorities must take greater responsibility if the sector is to make meaningful emissions reductions.
ACI Europe, the association representing airports, rejected the claims, stating that airports are “doing more than their fair share” and accused IATA of trying to shift blame. CANSO, which represents air traffic control organisations, reaffirmed its commitment to achieving net-zero goals and improving airspace efficiency.
Despite the strong words, Walsh emphasised that the intention is not to assign blame, but to highlight the scale and urgency of the challenge ahead.
“It’s not about finger-pointing,” he said. “It’s about recognising the reality and ensuring the entire aviation sector is aligned if we’re serious about achieving net zero.”
