European aviation emissions have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with intra-European flights even surpassing 2019 emissions, according to a new report by Transport & Environment (T&E). The study underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive carbon pricing mechanisms, as the current EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) fails to cover a significant portion of aviation emissions. In 2024, European aviation traffic and emissions made a near-complete recovery to pre-pandemic levels. Over 8.4 million flights departed from European airports, producing 187.6 million tonnes of CO₂—an 8% increase in emissions and a 5% rise in flight numbers compared to 2023. This recovery contradicts the aviation sector’s pledges to build back greener post-COVID.
GMPB — October 9th — Competing ETS Amendments Set Out Transport Funding Priorities as EU Emissions Rise
9 October 2026
Headlines: Ricci proposes 70% reinvestment requirement for aviation and maritime ETS revenues EU transport emissions rise 2% as rail freight declines Bloss seeks electrification-first ETS funding, reduced biofuel support, and carbon pricing for contrails Fuel associations seek binding renewable transport targets beyond 2030 Industry and NGOs oppose further delay to
