The aviation industry, a cornerstone of global connectivity, faces mounting scrutiny over its environmental impact. Accounting for 2-3% of global CO₂ emissions, aviation’s carbon footprint is compounded by non-CO₂ effects like contrails and nitrogen oxides, which may triple its climate impact. As air travel demand surges—pre-pandemic projections suggested a doubling of passengers by 2040—the urgency for sustainable solutions intensifies. But can the industry truly achieve carbon-neutral flights? A modern airport showcasing eco-friendly aviation, featuring hydrogen and electric planes, a sustainable fuel truck, and passengers boarding through a green terminal. The Environmental Toll of Aviation Aviation’s primary environmental cost stems from burning jet fuel, releasing CO₂ and other pollutants. Beyond direct emissions, contrails (ice clouds formed by engine exhaust) trap heat, exacerbating global warming. Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) further contribute to atmospheric warming. These factors ma...