Qatar Airways has been named the most emissions-efficient airline among the world’s largest carriers, according to Cirium’s 2025 EmeraldSky Annual Review.
The Doha-based airline recorded 60.05 grams of CO₂ per passenger kilometre, measured using per-available seat kilometre (ASK) – the industry benchmark that enables like-for-like comparisons across fleets and routes.
Its performance reflects a long-haul operating model, with average flight distances exceeding 4,200km, combined with a relatively young fleet and ongoing optimisation across routes, weight, and fuel use. Investments in aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, alongside more than 80 fuel-efficiency initiatives, continue to drive incremental gains.
However, total emissions still edged higher as capacity expanded, highlighting the sector’s core tension between growth and sustainability.
Dubai-based Emirates ranked fifth, while Etihad Airways was the only other Gulf carrier to feature in the global top 20.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer