Assessing the Carbon Footprint of Istanbul Airport: Emission Estimates and Sustainable Solutions

Istanbul Airport, strategically positioned as an international hub connecting Asia and Europe, faces increasing scrutiny regarding its environmental impact, particularly its carbon dioxide (CO
2
) emissions. This study aims to quantify the CO
2
emissions from different aircraft types operating at the airport from 2018 to 2022. Utilizing Tier 2 emission factors and aircraft movement data, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of yearly emissions. Our findings indicate a decline in emissions across all aircraft types in 2020, presumably due to reduced air traffic amid the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a rebound in subsequent years. The BOEING-737 aircraft showed the highest emissions consistently, marking it as a crucial target for mitigation strategies. Based on these results, we propose a set of five strategies, including fleet modernization and the use of sustainable aviation fuels, to mitigate future emissions. The study serves as a cornerstone for future research and policy-making aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of air travel, aligning with both local and global sustainability goals.