Singapore: Transport and Environment (TandE) and ODI Global announced that Singapore Changi Airport ranked ninth among the world's most carbon-intensive airports in 2023, generating 14.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The findings were published in the 2026 Airport Tracker, which analysed 1,300 airports globally using data from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, TandE Regional Policy and Program Director, APAC, Jude Lee emphasized the importance of transparent disclosure of aviation emissions as Singapore aims to position itself as a hub for sustainable finance and future aviation fuels. "The race among global aviation hubs is no longer just about passenger volumes. It is increasingly about who can demonstrate the most credible, MRV-backed decarbonisation pathway," said Lee in a statement.

Meanwhile, ODI Global Research Associate, Sam Pickard noted that aviation emissions have continued to rise since the Paris Agreement despite decarbonisation efforts in other sectors. The report highlighted that the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region became the world's largest contributor to aviation emissions, accounting for 32 per cent of global aviation-related CO2 emissions, surpassing Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa combined.

The report also revealed that the world's top 100 airports were responsible for about two-thirds of total passenger flight emissions, while fewer than 2.3 per cent of airports had credible net-zero Scope 3 emissions plans. This report emerges as the European Union considers extending carbon pricing to all departing international flights, a measure that could intensify pressure on aviation hubs to enhance decarbonisation strategies.