Korean Air reduces carbon emissions in 2025 despite increased flights

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Published: 27 Feb. 2026, 16:05

A chartered Korean Air airplane arrives at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia, United States, on Sept. 10, 2025 [YONHAP]

Korean Air's carbon emissions from flight operations dropped 3.3 percent from a year earlier in 2025 despite an increase in the number of flights, the company said Friday.

The airline said its annual carbon emissions totaled 12.18 million tons last year, down by about 420,000 tons from 12.6 million tons in 2024.

The Korean flag carrier managed to reduce its emissions volume last year despite a 2.6 percent on-year increase in operations to 189,851 flights.

The airline attributed the reduction to comprehensive fuel management efforts, including the deployment of newer aircraft, optimized flight routes and selection of alternate airports for short-haul flights.

Korean Air said it has also overhauled its operational system to minimize carbon emissions and introduced technologies based on AI to enhance fuel management efficiency.

Yonhap