Executive summary The aviation sector is at a critical juncture in 2025, as updated state action plans for decarbonization are due to be submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Industry stakeholders are increasingly looking to advance aviation decarbonization activity in tandem with boosting growth post COVID-19, but a number of challenges are affecting progress on sustainability. This year’s actions by industry and governments are vital to meeting internationally agreed targets and ensuring no regions are left behind in the transition to net-zero aviation.This report, produced by Airports of Tomorrow – a World Economic Forum initiative bringing together leaders from across the aviation industry – aims to provide an overview of the top risks and opportunities affecting aviation decarbonization progress in 2025, as perceived by industry members. The goal is to accelerate actions that the aviation industry can take forward on SAF, battery-electric and hydrogen aviation to achieve a net-zero aviation industry by 2050. Airports of Tomorrow C-suite stakeholders were surveyed and interviewed to capture perspectives, opportunities and risks concerning this year’s progress on decarbonizing aviation. Top-10 risks affecting aviation decarbonization progress FIGURE 1 Availability/cost of SAFAviation-speciﬁc risks 1 Alignment of SAF policy across regions and longevity of subsidies2 Implementation of CORSIA3 Traceability of sustainability criteria for SAF feedstocks4 Effectiveness of carbon pricing and emissions trading schemes5GeopoliticsWider risks 1 Bankability and attractiveness of the aviation sector for investors2 Economic downturn and inﬂation3 Change in governments4 Competing priorities (e.g. climate resilience, growth, revenue)5 Technology Policy and geopolitics Economic Sustainability Note: SAF = sustainable aviation fuel, CORSIA = Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation. Source: World Economic Forum.Aviation’s journey towards net zero faces numerous economic, technological and geopolitical risks, but the main challenge for 2025 is the availability and cost of sustainable aviation fuel. Global Aviation Sustainability Outlook 2025 5