Decarbonizing the Skies: Evolution of EU Air Transport Efficiency and Carbon Emissions

The European air traffic sector underwent significant disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a complex recovery phase. Throughout this period, the decarbonization of aviation remained a strategic priority for EU institutions and regulators. This study presents a comparative analysis of air traffic activity and associated CO2 emissions across EU member states between 2019 and 2024, using publicly available operational data and a standardized emissions estimation method. It explores changes in traffic volume, structural shifts in fleet composition, and the evolving market dynamics among European carriers. While the overall sectoral characteristics remained relatively stable, notable intra-EU variations influenced both operational efficiency and emissions outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring decarbonization measures to reflect national and regional differences, ensuring equitable and effective implementation across the EU.