Commission seeks feedback on new Flight Emissions Label
When booking flights online, passengers will be able to see standardized information on the carbon footprint of flights in the EU. While 80% of air passengers declare they would like to know how much CO2 is produced by the flights they take, only 5% of passengers declare having access to such information.
Currently, the lack of common methodology and criteria for estimating flight emissions leads airlines and ticket sellers to report emission levels using disparate methodologies which are not necessarily comparable. The Flight Emissions Label aims to change this by setting out a reliable and harmonized methodology for estimating flight emissions, considering factors like aircraft type, average passenger numbers and freight volume on board, as well as aviation fuel used.
As of 2025, airlines operating flights within the EU or departing from the EU will be able to voluntarily join this label. When booking flights online, a dedicated FEL logo will be displayed alongside the flight emissions data, helping passengers to make informed decisions and protect them from misleading greenwashing claims.
Climate Action and Transport Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said: “Clear, verified information is fundamental to better inform our choices for travel. As passengers, the future EU Flight Emissions Label will make it easier for all of us to have verified information regarding the CO2 emissions linked to our flights before we purchase our tickets. It will also ensure a level playing field among airlines competing on the same routes, and reward those that choose to invest in cleaner fuels and more efficient operations by making this visible to passengers when they buy a ticket. The future label will therefore help incentivise airlines to improve their environmental performance, by renewing their fleet with more efficient aircraft and using more sustainable aviation fuels.”
The consultation will be open until 22 October 2024 to gather feedback on the Commission’s draft proposal. More information is available online.
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