Climate

Children looking out a window at the airport

Greenhouse gas emissions are a global problem and result in irreversible climate changes. The world must be a near-zero-emissions society by 2050 to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. This requires extensive emission-reducing measures in all sectors, including aviation. The largest aviation-related greenhouse gas emissions come from air traffic itself, followed by the transport of passengers and employees to and from airports (feeder services), and finally, greenhouse gas emissions related to the operation of airports. 

Aviation connects Norway - but we need to cut emissions quickly. Therefore, Avinor has set ambitious climate goals: Avinor will reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 and contribute to Norwegian aviation achieving the joint goal of fossil-free aviation by 2050.   

Graph showing greenhouse gas emissions from Norwegian civil aviation in CO2 equivalents from 1990 to 2023. Data is presented with total emissions, domestic, and international flights, indicating an overall increasing trend with noticeable fluctuations

Emissions in air traffic

According to Statistics Norway (SSB) in 2023 (latest official figures), emissions from all domestic civil aviation accounted for 2.36 percent of total domestic emissions (1.1 of a total of 46.6 million tons of CO2 equivalents). Emissions from domestic traffic have been relatively stable over the past 25 years, despite significant traffic growth. These emissions are covered by the Kyoto Protocol and are reported in SSB's statistics emissions from Norwegian territory. This principle is applied in all countries.

Emissions from international traffic, meaning from Norwegian airports to the first destination abroad, amounted to 1.6 million tons of CO2 equivalents in 2023. These emissions are reported annually by the Norwegian Environment Agency to the UN Climate Convention (UNFCCC). Emissions from international traffic have grown significantly since 1990. This is due to many more travelers, but also more direct routes from Norway.

Total emissions from all jet fuel for civilian purposes sold at Norwegian airports in 2023 (latest official figures) accounted for approximately 5.5 percent of Norway's total emissions, in the order of 2.7 million tons of CO2 equivalents, when international shipping is also included. During the coronavirus pandemic, there was a sharp reduction in emissions from both domestic and international traffic, while total emissions in 2023 approached the levels in the years before the pandemic.

Climate and Avinor

  1. Avinor's own emissions

    Here you can read about emissions from Avinor's own operations – such as from vehicles and energy use.

    Read more
  2. Energy

    Here you can read about indirect greenhouse gas emissions from purchased energy, such as electricity and district heating.

    Read more
  3. Emissions from air traffic and the value chain

    Here you will find information about airspace, sustainable aviation fuel, and zero- and low-emission aviation.

    Read more
  4. Climate risk

    Here you can read about how Avinor adapts its extensive building stock and other infrastructure to climate change.

    Read more