Conference 4: INAIR International Conference. Malta, 28th and 29th October 2025

Aviation Decarbonisation: A Bibliometric Analysis of Productivity, Research Trends, and Gaps

Marina Efthymiou ¹; Luis Martín-Domingo^{1, 2}; and Miguel Mújica-Mota³

1: Dublin City University; 2: Ozyegin University; 3: Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

Abstract

Decarbonising aviation is a growing priority in global climate mitigation, yet research in this domain remains fragmented across disciplines and themes. This study offers the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of aviation decarbonisation research over the past 25 years, using the Bibliometrix R-package and Scopus data. Beyond mapping publication trends, authorship networks, geographical distribution, and keyword evolution, the study reveals how the field has shifted from emissions quantification and biofuels to system-level innovations such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), hydrogen, and electric propulsion. Our analysis uncovers three dominant intellectual clusters—technological innovation, policy and market instruments, and operational strategies—while highlighting persistent blind spots, including demand-side measures, behavioural change, and equity considerations. A key contribution of this research lies in exposing the technology-centric and Global North–dominated orientation of the field, thereby identifying overlooked perspectives crucial for achieving a just transition. By providing a structured overview of knowledge trajectories and emergent themes, this study establishes a research agenda that integrates technical, policy, and societal dimensions, supporting more coherent and interdisciplinary approaches to aviation decarbonisation.