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.