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 – November 13th – MEPs Seek Larger Infrastructure Fund as Commission Schedules Transport and Energy Reforms
11/13/2026
Headlines: MEPs seek €91.28 billion infrastructure fund with separate military mobility pillar Commission schedules ReFuelEU Aviation and truck CO₂ initiatives for 2027 Steel producers and civil society seek safeguards for green steel credits under car CO₂ rules Draft parliamentary opinion questions climate spending methodology and Innovation Fund results IEA warns
