European Airline Emissions Almost Back to Pre-Covid Levels

Balancing growth with climate commitments is becoming an increasingly difficult challenge for the aviation industry.

European airline emissions rose in 2024 and are almost back to pre-covid levels, according to a report from the environmental group Transport and Environment (T&E).

European flights generated 187.6 million tonnes of CO2 last year, with traffic hitting 96% of 2019 levels - and emissions reaching 98%.

During the pandemic, aviation emissions fell by one-third, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Ten airlines were responsible for 40% of all European aviation emissions in 2024, according to the T&E report, which uses data from the EU.

Ryanair topped the list, emitting 16 million tonnes of CO2, followed by Lufthansa with 10 million tonnes, and British Airways with 9 million.

The route that emitted the most in 2024 was