Ryanair’s 2025 CO₂ Emissions Jump 50% Since 2019, T&E Reports

Context Transport & Environment (T&E) released a sector‑wide analysis showing aviation as the fastest‑growing source of emissions in the EU. Flights departing Europe produced 195 Mt of CO₂ in 2025, accounting for 23% of global aviation emissions.

Key Facts - Ryanair’s emissions from European departures hit 16.6 Mt of CO₂ in 2025, a 50% increase over its 2019 level before COVID‑19 disrupted travel. - The airline’s output equals the total emissions of a country the size of Croatia and tops the list of the world’s 20 most polluting airlines. - Low‑cost carriers drove most of the 2025 emissions growth, while the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) covers only intra‑European routes, leaving two‑thirds of aviation emissions untaxed. - Ryanair pays roughly €50 per tonne of CO₂ under the ETS, compared with €20 for Lufthansa and near‑zero for Gulf carriers such as Emirates. - T&E estimates airlines avoided over €8.5 billion in carbon costs in 2025 due to these loopholes.

What It Means The surge underscores a widening gap between aviation and other sectors that have begun cutting emissions. Giacomo Miele of T&E warned that the record‑high output signals an industry unwilling to curb its climate impact. Extending the EU ETS to all departing flights could capture billions in revenue, potentially funding green‑fuel development and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Watch for EU policy proposals on expanding carbon pricing to long‑haul routes and the aviation sector’s response.