As we come to the end of 2025, I would like to begin this piece with the hope that the tragic aircraft accidents we often see around year-end and the New Year will not be repeated in the days ahead. Especially, 2024 was an exceptionally unfortunate year.
On January 2, 2024, a Japan Airlines Airbus A350 collided on the runway at Haneda Airport with a De Havilland Canada Dash 8 aircraft belonging to the Japan Coast Guard. On December 25, 2024, an AZAL passenger aircraft operating flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 people, including three crew members, and injuring 29 others. On December 29, 2024, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 made an emergency landing at Muan Airport, overran the runway, struck a concrete barrier, and caught fire. In that accident, all but two of the 181 people on board lost their lives.
Undoubtedly, the most heartbreaking event of 2025 was the crash of our C-130 military cargo aircraft, which had departed from Azerbaijan en route to our country and went down near the Georgia–Azerbaijan border, plunging our nation into mourning.
Despite these tragedies, 2025 was a highly productive year for airlines and airports. My only wish is that 2026 will be a year like 2025, marked by sustainability, high operational success, and far removed from aviation accidents.
From a travel perspective, I hope 2026 will be an exciting year filled with discovering different cultures, tasting new cuisines, meeting new people, and creating countless memories. However, alongside these joyful opportunities, there are also concerns, chief among them climate change and global warming. For this reason, we must also make our holidays more environmentally friendly. Many travelers are unaware of the carbon footprint of their choices, such as accommodation, activities, and transportation. Yet every journey contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. So, what can be done for greener travel in 2026?
A Greener Life with Direct Flights
Although all airlines worldwide have committed under the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, this transition will take time, with 2050 as the target. Until then, we as passengers can also help. We can make small sacrifices for a greener future. For example, instead of choosing connecting flights just because they are cheaper, opting for direct flights can significantly reduce emissions. Direct flights mean fewer takeoffs and landings, which are the most fuel-intensive phases of flight. By choosing nonstop flights, we can help reduce aviation’s environmental impact.
Travel with Lighter Luggage
Avoid packing unnecessary items you won’t use at your destination. For short trips, try to travel with carry-on luggage only. Increased aircraft weight leads to higher fuel consumption. If every passenger thinks, “What difference does my bag make?”, the cumulative effect can be surprisingly significant. Moreover, checked baggage goes through energy-intensive processes involving conveyor belts, baggage carts, and handling systems, all of which contribute to environmental impact.
Choose Airports That Use More Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s most important hubs, is a global leader in the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles for apron operations. It became the first major international airport to use hydrogen-powered vehicles in daily operations. Many airports are now following this environmentally conscious path. Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gökçen Airport, and Antalya Airport have also implemented numerous green initiatives. When planning your flights, consider researching airports’ sustainability efforts and make your choices accordingly.
Use Alternative Transportation for Short Distances
You can plan a greener journey even before leaving home. For example, traveling from Istanbul Airport to Ankara takes about five hours by car, around four hours and fifteen minutes by high-speed train, and approximately one hour and fifteen minutes by plane. Unless you have urgent business, choosing the high-speed train can be a more environmentally friendly option, especially if you plan to stay for an extended period. In Europe, governments have been encouraging travelers to choose rail over short-haul flights for many years.
Consume Local Food
Choosing locally produced food and beverages at your destination is very important for reducing your carbon footprint. Local products travel shorter distances, are fresher, and often healthier. Try to dine at restaurants that source ingredients locally. Remember that imported products travel long distances, creating a much larger carbon footprint along the way.
Participate in Eco-Friendly Activities
Activities offered by hotels or local operators can significantly increase carbon emissions. Motorized water sports, such as jet skis, parasailing, banana boats, water skiing, and other fuel-powered activities, are examples. Instead, opt for swimming, cycling tours, trekking, hiking, or mountaineering. Support tourism activities that respect nature and contribute positively to local communities and businesses.
Making more conscious choices in 2026 can help ensure that travel remains both enriching and sustainable, for us and for future generations.