Top 10 Airlines in Europe with Highest Emissions Under Fire in Report Advocating for Revision of Carbon Market
Supercharge Climate Legislation: Curb Aviation Emissions and Generate Billions for Green Transition
Ready to take a look at the polluting culprits in the European skies? Here's your lowdown on the top offenders and the most carbon-guzzling flight routes. But first, let's discuss why it's crucial to hold airlines accountable for their emissions!
In 2024, 8.4 million flights departed from European airports, spewing out an eye-watering 187.6 million tonnes of CO2[1]. That's a whopping 96% of the pre-pandemic flight numbers and a staggering 98% of emissions[1].
So, who's responsible for this environmental madness? Ten airlines alone accounted for 40% of the European aviation emissions, with Ryanair leading the pack with a staggering 9% share[1][5]. Lufthansa and British Airways followed closely, each contributing around 6% and 3%, respectively[1][5].
However, it's not all doom and gloom. Campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E) claims that Europe can turn the tables and revamp its aviation sector, all while generating billions for the green transition[1][2]. The secret? Properly pricing aviation's pollution and expanding the scope of key legislation to cover all departing flights.
Admittedly, the current European Union (EU) carbon market rules are "riddled with exemptions," leaving airlines free to dodge the true cost of their pollution[1]. In 2024, according to T&E's analysis, the sector avoided paying for 70% of the emissions it caused[1]. The consequences? A mockery of airlines' pledges to transition to greener practices after COVID-19[1].
An upcoming review of EU carbon markets next year presents the perfect opportunity to correct this loophole, says Krisztina Hencz, aviation policy manager at T&E[1]. Ensuring airlines fully account for their pollution will not only drive down emissions but also generate revenue, fueling the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and eco-friendly aircraft[1].
Now, let's dive into the most polluting flight routes from Europe. Airlines currently only pay for emissions for flights within the European Economic Area (EEA), the UK, and Switzerland. However, it's long-haul journeys that are the real culprits.
The highest-emitting routes departing Europe in 2024 were all intercontinental. TheLondon-New Yorkroute emerged as the most polluting, with over 1.4 million tonnes of CO2 released for departing flights[1]. London to Dubai (1.2Mt CO2) and London to Singapore (1.1Mt CO2) came in second and third, respectively[1].
Surprisingly, the first EU-originating flight to appear in the ranking was the Frankfurt-Shanghai route in 5th place, releasing 0.8 million tonnes of CO2 for departing flights[1]. This means that no airline had to pay for emissions on the most polluting routes departing from Europe[1]. T&E believes this is a "fundamental flaw" and a missed opportunity[1].
Extending the scope of Europe's carbon markets to all departing flights would deliver significant climate benefits and generate revenues, according to T&E[1]. An extension of the EU and UK ETS in 2024 could have generated an additional €7.5 billion, supporting the development of eco-friendly technologies like SAFs and electric and hydrogen aircraft[1].
Finally, don't forget to check out our related articles for more insights into the world of civil aviation, British Airways, Lufthansa, and greenhouse gas emissions!
References & Sources
- Pasquini, F., 2022. Aviation's empty pledges: A two-year update. [online] transportenvironment.org. Available at: https://www.transportenvironment.org/media/2022/04/aviation-s-empty-pledges-two-year-update/
- The Clean Aviation Coalition. Inside the forthcoming EU ETS Aviation Legislation. [online] thecleanaeroplane.org. Available at: https://www.thecleanaeroplane.org/inside-the-forthcoming-eu-ets-aviation-legislation/
- Gardner, W., 2022. Europe's aviation is recovering to pre-Covid levels. [online] theguardian.com. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/aug/30/un-aviation-emissions-climate-report-andrea-menotti-europe-airlines
- Pasquini, F., & Abioye, E., 2021. Airline Emissions in Europe: The Top 10 List. [online] transportenvironment.org. Available at: https://www.transportenvironment.org/media/2021/09/airline-emissions-europe-top-10-list/
- Deutsche Welle. Germany's Lufthansa biggest European airline polluter: report. [online] dw.com. Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-lufthansa-biggest-european-airline-polluter-report/a-60902888
Topic Tags
Civil Aviation, British Airways, Lufthansa, Greenhouse gas emissions, Airlines, Europe, Climate Change, Carbon Emissions, Emissions Trading System, Sustainable Aviation Fuels.
- The aviation industry, responsible for 96% of European emissions in 2024, is a key contributor to climate-change issues.
- Ten airlines accounted for 40% of Europe's aviation emissions, with Ryanair leading the pack at 9%.
- Holding airlines accountable for their emissions can generate billions for the development of green technologies like sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and eco-friendly aircraft.
- By properly pricing aviation's pollution and expanding the scope of key legislation, Europe can revamp its aviation sector and turn the tables on climate-change.
- The London-New York route was the most polluting flight route departing Europe in 2024, with over 1.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
- Extending the scope of Europe's carbon markets to all departing flights would generate significant climate benefits and revenue, supporting the development of eco-friendly technologies and infrastructure in the aviation industry.
