EU to launch flight emissions label for airlines by 2025

From February 2025, airlines operating flights within or departing from the EU can opt into a new Flight Emissions Label. The voluntary program aims to provide passengers with reliable emissions data for their flights, thus helping to combat greenwashing and promote informed travel choices.

The initiative, announced by the European Commission, will introduce a standardised methodology to calculate emissions based on factors such as aircraft type, passenger and cargo loads and fuel use. The data will allow consumers to compare the environmental impact of flights.

The label is part of the EU’s broader effort to make aviation more sustainable under the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation. Airlines can begin applying to join the scheme in February. The first emissions labels will be awarded by July 2025 and will apply to flights scheduled during the 2025 winter season.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will oversee the implementation to ensure consistency and prevent misleading claims. Only EASA-issued labels will be valid. That should help avoid discrepancies that could arise from private initiatives.

Sustainable choices

By offering clear and comparable emissions data, the EU hopes to encourage more sustainable travel decisions. It also hopes to push airlines toward cleaner practices, including fleet modernisation and the use of sustainable aviation fuels. 

However, participation in the scheme will be voluntary. 

^{Airplanes at Brussels airport in Zaventem © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}