Soaring plane emissions demand urgent action, reveals new research
Top 10 Airlines in Europe flagged for high carbon emissions, prompting calls for reevaluation of carbon market regulation
It's time for robust measures to rein in sky-high carbon emissions from European flights, according to a groundbreaking study.
The number of flights departing from European airports shot up to nearly pre-COVID levels in 2024, resulting in emissions of 187.6 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2. That's an immense 96% of 2019 flight numbers, and just 2% lower than pre-pandemic levels, according to Transport & Environment (T&E) calculations.
Unfortunately, the aviation sector's carbon market rules are fraught with exemptions, meaning airlines evaded paying for 70% of the pollution they caused. In the words of Krisztina Hencz, aviation policy manager at T&E, "Aviation emissions are flying high and out of control. Not only that, but the sector continues to dodge the real cost of its pollution, turning green pledges into a joke."
Europe's Worst Polluters
Sadly, only ten airlines were responsible for an eye-watering 40% of all European aviation emissions in 2024. Ryanair led the pack with 16.2 Mt CO2 emissions, while Lufthansa Group and British Airways followed with 10 Mt and 8.9 Mt CO2, respectively. These numbers represent a 9%, 6%, and 3% increase compared to 2023 emissions, respectively.
Next on the list was Air France at 8.2 Mt CO2 – a decrease of 1% compared to the previous year. The top 10 was rounded off by easyJet, Emirates, KLM, Wizz Air, Iberia, United Airlines, and a significant 10% increase in emissions for Iberia.
The study also points out a disconcerting expansion of low-cost carriers within the European aviation industry, rivaling the dominance of traditional flagship carriers like Lufthansa and Air France.
The Dirtiest Routes from Europe
Here's the catch: airlines currently only have to pay for emissions on flights within the European Economic Area (EEA), the UK, and Switzerland. But it's the long-haul journeys that generate the most emissions.
The top five most polluting routes departing Europe in 2024 were all intercontinental, with London-New York claiming the crown with over 1.4 Mt of CO₂ emissions. London to Dubai (1.2Mt) and London to Singapore (1.1Mt) took second and third place, respectively. The first EU-originating flight to appear in the ranking was the Frankfurt-Shanghai route in 5th place, emitting 0.8 Mt of CO₂ for departing flights.
Remarkably, airlines didn't have to pay for emissions on the most polluting routes departing from Europe, with T&E referring to this oversight as a "fundamental flaw" and a missed opportunity.
Paying the True Cost of Pollution
Enhancing the scope of Europe's carbon markets to include all departing flights would deliver substantial climate benefits while generating revenues, claims T&E. An extension of the EU and UK ETS in 2024 would have generated an additional €7.5 billion if extra-European emissions were accounted for, a sum that could have been put towards the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and alternative aircraft like electric and hydrogen models.
The EU is expected to review its ETS next year, offering an opportunity to expand its scope and address this crucial gap. However, T&E warns that this step may face resistance from climate-skeptic voices within the aviation industry, including Ryanair and Air France CEOs, who are pushing for weaker carbon pricing rules.
Additional Insights
- Ryanair is the biggest contributor to European aviation emissions, with a staggering 16 million tonnes (Mt) of CO₂ emissions in 2024, which can be traced to its extensive short-haul network and market expansion.
- Lufthansa Group ranks second with 10 Mt of CO₂, and British Airways trails in third place with 9 Mt of CO₂.
- The survey also revealed that London-New York is the dirtiest route departing Europe, with over 1.4 Mt of CO₂ emissions in 2024, followed by London to Dubai (1.2Mt) and London to Singapore (1.1Mt).
- The research underscores the urgent need to control emissions from European airlines, particularly those responsible for 40% of all aviation emissions, such as Ryanair, Lufthansa Group, and British Airways.
- Actions must be taken to ensure airlines pay for the real cost of their emissions, as they currently evade paying for 70% of the pollution they cause, according to Krisztina Hencz.
- Alarmingly, only the top ten airlines account for a significant proportion of European aviation emissions, with Ryanair leading the pack at 16.2 Mt CO2.
- The study highlights the expansion of low-cost carriers within the European aviation industry, challenging the dominance of traditional flagship carriers like Lufthansa and Air France.
- The top five most polluting routes departing Europe are all intercontinental, with London-New York emitting over 1.4 Mt of CO₂, a figure airlines did not have to pay for due to current carbon market rules.
- Enhancing the scope of Europe's carbon markets to include all departing flights could generate €7.5 billion, a sum that could be utilized for the development of sustainable aviation fuels and alternative aircraft.
- The EU's review of its ETS next year presents an opportunity to expand its scope and address the gap in accounting for extra-European emissions, but may face resistance from climate-skeptic voices within the aviation industry.
- Data and cloud computing, an integral part of technology and business, can provide valuable insights into emissions data, helping to drive sustainable changes in the lifestyle and personal-finance sectors related to travel and investing.
- As we advance in the fight against climate-change, emissions data can help reveal the environmental-science implications of our energy consumption and the impact on weather patterns, sports events, and other aspects of our lives.
- Science must guide our understanding and response to the effects of emissions on our environment, as the future of our planet relies on cooperation between various industries, finance, and governments to cut emissions and Foster a more sustainable lifestyle.
