Progress on decarbonizing European airlines is driving up ticket prices

The European aviation industry has made “significant progress” over the past two years in meeting its carbon emissions reduction targets, according to a new report from the European Commission and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The European Commission’s latest environmental report on aviation examined the sector’s progress towards meeting the goals of the European Green Deal, highlighting “significant developments” in the areas of alternative aviation fuels – referred to as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) – and improvements in air traffic management. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) target includes a 5% reduction in CO2 emissions from international aviation by 2030.
Already in 2023, flights departing from European airports emitted 133 million tonnes of CO2, 10% less than in 2019. The average mass of CO2 emitted per passenger-kilometer fell to 83 grams in 2023, equivalent to 3.3 liters of fuel per 100 passenger-kilometers.
An interesting fact regarding flights departing from European airports is that while only 6% are long-haul flights (over 4,000 kilometers), they account for 46% of CO2 emissions.
The report also highlights the increase in the number of European airports, from 90 to 118, that have a net zero CO2 emissions target by 2030. Of these, 16 have already achieved their target.
However, more needs to be done to turn sustainability goals into action, as the report warned of the projected increase in demand for air traffic. European air traffic is expected to reach 11.8 million annual flights by 2050, up from 9.9 million in 2023, the report said, but this growth “does not necessarily come at the expense of increasing emissions”, according to the EU’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport.
Sustainable fuels drive up costs
The SAF capacity currently being built across Europe could supply the 3.2 megatonnes of SAF required by 2030 under the ReFuelEU aviation supply mandate. However, the European Commission report notes that production will need to “rapidly scale up thereafter.
SAF prices are currently 3 to 10 times more expensive than conventional fuels, although they are expected to come down “significantly” as production technologies scale up.
EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet said: “A concerted effort is now needed to manage a smooth transition to cleaner aviation while maintaining a high uniform level of safety and connectivity. Honest, transparent, and effective communication is crucial to ensure European citizens' trust that aviation is indeed acting to become more sustainable and will achieve future goals."
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Photo Source: pixabay.com
- 1) How will Naxos deal with the risk of water shortages ahead of the tourist season
- 2) Milos Municipality attempts to block second investment for 5-star hotel
- 3) European Hotels: "Stop" on single-use plastic packaging from 2030
- 4) iAlonissos: Digital promotion of local natural and cultural attractions
09/02 19:36
Rethymno Carnival 2025 | The event of the theme “Come to the Light” is fantastic
09/02 07:32
How can tourism contribute to the growth of Greek cosmetic products in Britain
09/02 07:29
Castle scholars from all over the world promote Frogakastello in Crete
08/02 08:24
Chris Nassetta, Hilton: Optimistic about 2025 despite market challenges
08/02 07:19
07/02 23:09
Grant payments for 4 hotel investments in Paxos, Lefkada, Zakynthos and Chania
07/02 18:40
Olga Kefalogianni in HORECA | Greece has experience in managing natural phenomena
07/02 15:06
FedHATTA: “Opening up” of Greek travel agencies to the Iranian market
07/02 14:35
07/02 13:49
07/02 13:26
Applications for the Best Tourism Villages 2025 are now open
07/02 13:02
Springer Reisen: 20 connections to Greek islands this summer
07/02 12:26
Greece: Nearly 30 million international air arrivals in 2024 - Who traveled where
07/02 11:19
Europe as a single tourist destination - A. Fiorentinos at the Destination Europe Summit 2025
07/02 06:55
Positive prospects for tourism in 2025 but major “thorns” remain
07/02 06:41
British travel agents “discover” Naxos - Record arrivals in 2024
07/02 06:14
Donation from HEDNO for the restoration of the Ottoman Bath of Kalloni in Lesvos
06/02 18:58
Work on the Thessaloniki Flyover is progressing at a rapid pace
06/02 18:54
Sports Tourism | Ministerial meeting for the Euroleague Coaches Conference 2025
06/02 18:25
29.3 million international air arrivals in 2024, with clear signs of an extended season
06/02 16:43
06/02 15:49
06/02 14:42
Sotheby’s: The Athenian Riviera is first in demand for luxury properties
06/02 13:48
06/02 12:05
Travelers are paying attention to cost and quality, few to sustainability
06/02 11:57
Wyndham and HR Group expand into Germany, Austria and the Netherlands
06/02 07:37
How will Naxos deal with the risk of water shortages ahead of the tourist season
06/02 07:28
Attica Region: There is no overtourism in Athens - a warning for infrastructure
06/02 07:16
Grant payments for 4 hotel investments in Rhodes, Chania, Itilo and Sivota
06/02 07:05
06/02 06:11
Municipality of Folegandros: Prohibition of roaming or grazing animals in tourist areas
05/02 19:57
Milos Municipality attempts to block second investment for 5-star hotel
05/02 19:03
National Action Plan for Cycling, with development in cycling tourism
05/02 16:51
05/02 15:46
05/02 12:41
The first robotic restaurant with artificial intelligence at Barcelona Airport
05/02 12:40
Athens Airport: 2025 started on a positive note,+14.5% passengers in January
05/02 12:35
How foreign travel professionals will promote Greek destinations
05/02 11:45
Tourism: 4 Greek islands capture Americans’ 2025 vacation interest
05/02 07:04
Grants for a boat shelter in Halkidiki and hotels in Chania, Zagori, and Koroni
05/02 07:02
05/02 06:53
Conde Nast Traveller | Crete among the 29 best places to visit before summer
05/02 06:22
05/02 06:14
05/02 06:13
Holy Metropolis of Rhodes: Digital Promotion of Museums Network and Monuments
05/02 06:09
04/02 22:49
Main Patras-Pyrgos highway section due to finish July 31, open to traffic soon
04/02 20:18
Hellenic Republic President to receive new Ambassadors of Vietnam, Ireland, and Sweden
04/02 19:53
04/02 17:31
Pan-Cretan Forum | Promoting Cretan products in Cretan hotels for the 13th year
04/02 16:05
SKY Express: Free tickets for children and teachers on Santorini-Athens flights
04/02 14:57
04/02 14:40
04/02 14:01
SkyUp Airlines: Two new connections to Athens and Corfu from Moldova
04/02 11:34
Rethymno Hoteliers head | The upcoming tourist season is predicted to be "quite good"
04/02 11:25
European Hotels: "Stop" on single-use plastic packaging from 2030
04/02 07:13
Greek hotels: Revenues in 2024 soar 11% above 2023 - read the latest investments
04/02 06:58
Filming at Kallimarmaro Stadium in Athens to create an electronic map
03/02 23:01
03/02 18:11
03/02 17:15
Chania: Smart barriers to protect the Venetian port and its visitors
03/02 16:02
Rhodes: The season kicks off on March 28, wounds from "Bora" storm remains
03/02 15:53
03/02 15:08
Promotion of Lesvos in Istanbul - Participation in EMITT 2025
03/02 14:48
03/02 13:14
Wyndham Hotels: Agreement with Zafido Holding for a new hotel in Piraeus
03/02 12:25
03/02 11:03
HolidayCheck: These are the 50 most popular Greek hotels in Germany for 2025
03/02 10:29
Cruises to Chania make a positive first impression in 2025 - 1,347 visitors daily
03/02 06:38
iAlonissos: Digital promotion of local natural and cultural attractions
03/02 06:25
5 new hotel investments in Lefkada, Rhodes, Ios, Karystos and Trikala
02/02 20:08
The travel profile of expatriates from Australia - the rescue of Rex
02/02 06:48
01/02 13:58
Tourism in Turkey beats expectations - 62 million arrivals, $61 billion in revenue in 2024
01/02 07:04
Volotea: Codeshare cooperation with Aegean to run on 13 routes
31/01 18:11
10 new hotel investments in Corfu, Rhodes, Paros, Ios, Skiathos, Samos, Kalambaka and Kranidi
31/01 17:49
Booking.com | Hotels: Don't leave negative guest reviews unanswered
31/01 10:18
The Region of Crete at the FITUR exhibition - Promising prospects from Spanish-speaking markets
31/01 10:15
ITEP Survey: Hotel Performance stagnant in Greece in December
31/01 07:03
Municipality of Agrinio reacts to photovoltaic plant in Kremaston Lake - threat to tourism
31/01 06:54
31/01 06:07
Mitsis Group: Donation of an architectural study to enhance a beachfront in Crete
31/01 00:02
Commission: First comprehensive European strategy for tourism coming
30/01 23:08
Greek Culture Ministers to attend European conference in support of Ukraine's heritage
30/01 18:58
Cruise: Viking Libra to make maiden voyage in 2026 from Piraeus
30/01 17:56
Record year in 2024 for international air transport – Now “flying” above 2019
30/01 17:50
Accessible tourism on the beaches of the Municipality of Agios Vasilios, Crete
30/01 16:40
Travel | London is now the top destination for Greeks abroad
30/01 16:23
Aegean: 40% increase in available seats from Saudi Arabia in 2025
30/01 16:04
UK Tourism | Lesser-known destinations and experiential travel the main trend in 2025
30/01 14:35
Pancretan Association of Hotel Managers Seminars underway for 2025
30/01 13:22
Airbnb is “sweeping” Europe - Demand is growing faster than supply in Greece
30/01 11:17
Airbnb | 76 billion euros in revenue for hosts in Europe in 2024
30/01 11:09
Investments | Lifestyle Hotels with branded residences and alternative accommodations in focus
30/01 10:30
30/01 06:52
30/01 06:45
Tourism Observatory in the Region of Thessaly in Central Greece
30/01 06:40
Networking of the municipality of Aristotle with the municipality of Valletta in Malta
30/01 06:16
What will the exciting diving park in Stalis of Hersonissos be like
29/01 23:59
Dynamic promotion of the Greek city of Thessaloniki in the Irish market
How can tourism contribute to the growth of Greek cosmetic products in Britain
Castle scholars from all over the world promote Frogakastello in Crete
Rethymno Carnival 2025 | The event of the theme “Come to the Light” is fantastic
Chris Nassetta, Hilton: Optimistic about 2025 despite market challenges
Grant payments for 4 hotel investments in Paxos, Lefkada, Zakynthos and Chania
Olga Kefalogianni in HORECA | Greece has experience in managing natural phenomena
FedHATTA: “Opening up” of Greek travel agencies to the Iranian market
British travel agents “discover” Naxos - Record arrivals in 2024
Applications for the Best Tourism Villages 2025 are now open
Europe as a single tourist destination - A. Fiorentinos at the Destination Europe Summit 2025
Greece: Nearly 30 million international air arrivals in 2024 - Who traveled where
29.3 million international air arrivals in 2024, with clear signs of an extended season
Sports Tourism | Ministerial meeting for the Euroleague Coaches Conference 2025
Springer Reisen: 20 connections to Greek islands this summer
Donation from HEDNO for the restoration of the Ottoman Bath of Kalloni in Lesvos
Work on the Thessaloniki Flyover is progressing at a rapid pace
Positive prospects for tourism in 2025 but major “thorns” remain
Municipality of Folegandros: Prohibition of roaming or grazing animals in tourist areas
What will the exciting diving park in Stalis of Hersonissos be like
5 new hotel investments in Lefkada, Rhodes, Ios, Karystos and Trikala