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ICAO mandates offsetting for routes between 134 states at COP31
ICAO will require routes connecting 134 member states to meet CORSIA offsetting requirements starting next year. The change is presented at COP31, which opens on 9 November in Antalya, Türkiye, and targets airlines, governments and passengers involved in those international flights.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Routes linking 134 ICAO Member States must comply with CORSIA offsetting
- Timing
- Requirement begins from next year
- Who is affected
- Airlines, governments and passengers on those international routes
The details
- Announced by
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- Takes effect
- from next year
- Previous rule
- Previously, routes between those 134 Member States were not subject to mandatory CORSIA offsetting.
- New rule
- From next year, all flights connecting the 134 ICAO Member States will be required to offset emissions under the CORSIA scheme.
ICAO at COP31
The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) opens on 9 November in Antalya, Türkiye. ICAO will use the summit to showcase progress on its long‑term climate goals, including the push for stronger international cooperation on aviation emissions.
New offsetting requirement
ICAO announced that, starting next year, routes linking 134 of its Member States will fall under mandatory offsetting through the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). The move expands the scheme’s reach and aims to accelerate net‑zero emissions for international civil aviation.
- The requirement applies to all commercial flights between the identified states.
- Airlines must calculate and purchase offsets for emissions generated on those routes.
Support programmes and capacity building
To help members meet the new obligation, ICAO will continue its Assistance, Capacity‑building and Training programmes for CORSIA and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The State Action Plan initiative, already signed by 155 countries representing over 99% of global air traffic, will guide governments in setting emissions‑reduction targets and monitoring progress.
- ICAO offers training on CORSIA reporting and compliance.
- The SAF programme assists states in creating regulatory and financial frameworks for renewable fuels.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers on routes between the 134 states should expect airlines to incorporate offset costs into ticket prices.
- Booking windows remain unchanged, but fare structures may adjust as carriers comply with the new rule.
- Passengers should verify that their airline has integrated CORSIA offsets for the specific flight.
Cost and documents
- No new travel documents are required from passengers, but airlines will incur offset purchase costs.
- Ticket pricing may reflect the added offset expense, potentially raising fares for affected routes.
What you need to do
- Airlines must update their CORSIA reporting systems before the start of the next calendar year.
- Governments of the 134 Member States should review national aviation policies to align with the offsetting mandate.
- Travelers should check airline communications for any changes to fare structures or carbon‑offset statements.
Who this affects
-
Airlines operating international routes between the 134 ICAO Member States
They will be required to calculate and purchase carbon offsets for emissions on those flights.
What to do Update CORSIA compliance processes and incorporate offset costs into ticket pricing.
-
Governments of the 134 ICAO Member States
National aviation authorities must ensure carriers based in their jurisdiction meet the new offsetting rule.
What to do Integrate the requirement into national aviation regulations and support capacity‑building initiatives.
-
Passengers traveling on affected international routes
Their flights will now include mandatory carbon offsets, potentially influencing ticket prices.
What to do Check airline announcements for any fare adjustments and confirm offset inclusion in travel bookings.
Frequently asked questions
What offsetting requirement is ICAO introducing for international routes?
ICAO is mandating that routes connecting 134 member states must meet carbon‑offsetting obligations under the CORSIA scheme, starting from next year.
When does the new ICAO offsetting rule start?
The requirement begins from next year, as announced by ICAO ahead of the COP31 conference.
Which routes are affected by ICAO's new offsetting rule?
All commercial flights that link any of the 134 ICAO Member States identified in the announcement will be subject to the offsetting requirement.
How will the offsetting requirement be implemented?
Airlines must calculate emissions for each qualifying flight and purchase corresponding carbon offsets through the CORSIA market‑based measure, following ICAO’s reporting guidelines.
What support does ICAO offer to member states for meeting the new requirement?
ICAO continues its Assistance, Capacity‑building and Training programmes for CORSIA and sustainable aviation fuels, and the State Action Plan helps governments set emissions‑reduction targets and monitor progress.
