European airline emissions officially surpassed pre-pandemic (2019) levels in 2025, reaching 195 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2. This represents a 4% increase over 2024 and occurs despite industry-wide pledges to decarbonize and "build back greener" following the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Airline emissions in Europe top pre-Covid levels despite pledge to decarbonise

European airline emissions officially surpassed pre-pandemic (2019) levels in 2025, reaching 195 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2. This represents a 4% increase over 2024 and occurs despite industry-wide pledges to decarbonize and "build back greener" following the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Key Emissions Data (2024–2025)

Aviation has become the fastest-growing source of emissions in the EU. [1]

• 2024 Recovery: European aviation reached 96% of 2019 flight volumes and 98% of 2019 emissions (187.6 Mt CO2).
• 2025 Milestone: Total emissions hit 195 Mt CO2, exceeding 2019 levels for the first time.
• Top Polluters: Ten airlines were responsible for 40% of all European aviation emissions in 2024.
• Ryanair: 16.6 Mt CO2 in 2025 (a 50% increase compared to its 2019 levels).
• Lufthansa: 10 Mt CO2.
• British Airways: 9 Mt CO2.

Drivers of Growth

• Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) Expansion: The growth is largely driven by LCCs like Ryanair and Wizz Air, which have rapidly expanded their market share and flight frequency.
• Unpriced Pollution: Approximately 70% of aviation CO2 emissions in 2024 remained unpriced by carbon markets like the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). Current rules primarily apply to intra-European flights, leaving high-emitting intercontinental routes (e.g., London-New York or London-Dubai) exempt.
• Delayed Efficiency: While newer aircraft are 20% more efficient, severe delivery delays have forced airlines to keep older, more polluting planes in service longer than planned.

Status of Decarbonization Efforts

• SAF Mandates: The ReFuelEU Aviation regulation began in January 2025, requiring a 2% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend, rising to 70% by 2050.
• Carbon Pricing Reform: The EU is scheduled to review its ETS in 2026, with proposals to extend the scope to all departing international flights to close current "loopholes".
• Technological Gap: According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), SAF and operational improvements currently mitigate only about 1% of total global emissions, which is insufficient to counter the surge in passenger demand