European Airline Emissions Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels Amid Decarbonisation Pledges
Airline emissions in Europe top pre-Covid levels despite pledge to decarbonise
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Research reveals that emissions from the aviation sector in Europe have exceeded pre-COVID levels, with Ryanair's carbon footprint 50% higher than in 2019. Despite industry commitments to reduce emissions and the introduction of fuel-efficient aircraft, total aviation emissions have risen, driven by the growth of low-cost carriers.
- 01Ryanair's emissions in 2025 reached 16.6 megatonnes of CO2, equivalent to a small country's total annual emissions.
- 02The European aviation sector's emissions increased to 195 megatonnes of CO2 in 2025, a 2% rise from pre-pandemic levels.
- 03The emissions trading system (ETS) currently excludes long-haul flights, limiting its effectiveness in managing aviation pollution.
- 04Ryanair claims its growth is at lower fares on more efficient aircraft, while legacy airlines have higher emissions per passenger.
- 05Transport & Environment advocates for an expanded carbon market to include all flights, potentially quadrupling revenue for sustainable aviation initiatives.
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Emissions from the European aviation sector have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with Ryanair's carbon footprint now 50% higher than in 2019. According to a report by the think tank Transport & Environment (T&E), Ryanair's CO2 emissions are projected to reach 16.6 megatonnes in 2025, comparable to the total emissions of a small European country like Croatia. The entire sector emitted 195 megatonnes of CO2 in 2025, marking a 2% increase from 2019. The emissions trading system (ETS) has been criticized for excluding long-haul flights, which are typically more polluting, thus limiting its impact on reducing overall emissions. T&E suggests that extending the ETS to all departing flights could significantly increase public revenue and support the development of sustainable aviation fuel. Ryanair argues that its emissions per passenger are lower than those of legacy airlines, claiming that its growth is achieved with more fuel-efficient aircraft. However, the report indicates that the aviation industry's emissions are rising, highlighting the need for substantial changes to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote a sustainable future for air travel.
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The rise in airline emissions could lead to higher ticket prices for passengers as airlines adjust to increasing fuel costs and regulatory measures.
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