Due to increasing greenhouse gas emissions, the aviation sector is receiving increasing amounts of attention from academics, and a large amount of related research has been conducted. In this context, the bibliometric method is employed to examine and categorize academic research on carbon emissions within the civil aviation industry from 1998 to 2023. By identifying highly productive journals, frequently cited works, and thematic clusters within the literature on aviation carbon emissions during this period, as well as analyzing the evolving trends in academic discourse and technological advancements, it is found that the research landscape pertaining to aviation carbon emissions has consistently centered on carbon reduction technologies and market policies. Initially, studies were primarily concerned with the impacts and efficacy of policies, particularly those influenced by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). However, more recent literature has underscored the significance of technological innovation and practical implementation in addressing carbon emissions within the aviation sector. This paper reveals the coupling of academic research, emission reduction policy, and technology in the field of aviation carbon emissions and provides a theoretical reference for future research and carbon reduction practices.