The air transport industry has made global commitments to improving fuel efficiency by 1.5 percent annually to 2020, capping net emissions from 2020 and cutting net emissions in half by 2050 (compared with 2005 levels).

In 2010, principles were agreed through the ICAO on a global framework on economic measures. A commitment to developing a framework based on these measures for agreement at the 38th ICAO assembly in 2013 was also achieved.

"A global framework for economic measures is a critical component of our strategy to achieve these challenging targets. But we won't get agreement on a global approach if states are throwing rocks at each other because Europe wants to act extraterritorially," Tyler said.

Zhou Shijian, senior trade expert from Tsinghua University, said the EU move is a type of "green barrier" that could spark a trade war.

"It goes against the UN principle of 'common but differentiated responsibility' in dealing with carbon emissions," he said.

"Even if the EU adopted the measure, it should start with developed countries, not developing ones."

However, Zhang Yansheng, director of the Institute for International Economics Research of the National Development and Reform Commission, said it is nearly impossible to change the EU's decision to levy the tax.

Shen Mingchun contributed to this story.