CORSIA

The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is a global carbon market mechanism to address the rapidly growing emissions from international flights.
 
CORSIA requires airlines to purchase and cancel eligible carbon credits to offset emissions growth, creating compliance obligations and carbon cost exposure for aviation operators.

Established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in 2016, CORSIA is a global framework with the goal to stabilise net carbon emissions from international aviation at 85% of 2019 levels.
 
Under CORSIA, airlines must offset emissions above a defined baseline by purchasing and cancelling Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs), carbon credits that meet strict ICAO eligibility criteria. Compliance is measured in three-year cycles, with the next surrender deadline set for 31 January 2028.
 
For aviation operators, this creates a direct compliance obligation and cost exposure, making procurement of EEUs an increasingly important part of operational planning.

CORSIA applies to airlines operating international flights between participating countries. Participation includes most major aviation markets and over 120 countries that have volunteered for the scheme’s pilot and first phases.
 
Certain operators are excluded. CORSIA does not apply to domestic flights, aircraft with a maximum take-off mass below 5,700 kg, or operators emitting less than 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Military, humanitarian, firefighting and medical flights are also exempt.
 
While airlines are directly responsible for monitoring and offsetting emissions, participating states are responsible for implementing and enforcing the scheme under ICAO.