Some UK airlines polluting more than ever as emissions approach pre-pandemic levels

(Transport and Environment, 19 Apr 2024) Some UK airlines polluting more than ever as emissions approach pre-pandemic levels.

Analysis of UK aviation emissions by Transport & Environment (T&E) has found that aviation emissions are on track to return to pre-pandemic levels. Many budget airlines are now emitting more than they ever have with British Airways still dominating as the top polluting airline in the UK.

Nearly 940,000 flights departed from UK airports in 2023, producing 32 Mt of CO2 emissions. Compared to 2022, the number of flights increased by 16% and the number of emissions from those flights rose by 23%.

The UK is fast-approaching pre-pandemic levels of flying as 2023 saw 88% of 2019 flight numbers, and 89% of its CO2 emissions. This is concerning as the Government, via the Jet Zero Strategy committed to never crossing 2019 pollution levels again. 

Not only are flight levels returning to pre-pandemic heights, there are remarkable levels of growth in comparison to 2022 alone. In 2023 domestic flight emissions are 16% higher; European flight emissions 13% higher; and long haul flight emissions are 28% higher. T&E say that the data suggests that aviation emissions could reach an all-time high in 2024.

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Transport and Environment, 19 Apr 2024: Some UK airlines polluting more than ever as emissions approach pre-pandemic levels

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