Exploring the Research Hotspots and Frontiers of Consumer Behavior in Aviation Carbon Offset—Based on Bibliometric Research

This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric review of consumer behavior and willingness to pay (WTP) for voluntary carbon offsetting (VCO) in the aviation sector from 2007 to 2025. By analyzing 60 selected articles using VOSviewer, the research maps key themes, development trends, and methodological frontiers in the field. Three major keyword clusters emerged: (1) sustainable development and consumer behavior, (2) economic instruments and valuation, and (3) methodological and policy approaches. The temporal analysis highlights a significant rise in scholarly attention post-2016, coinciding with international policy developments like CORSIA. Despite increasing methodological diversity—including SEM, CVM, and CE—the literature remains constrained by reliance on stated preferences, lack of real behavioral data, and minimal integration of social sustainability dimensions. Addressing these gaps is essential for enhancing the credibility, effectiveness, and public acceptance of VCO programs in global aviation.