GHG emissions from the most carbon polluting airlines in the EU 2012-2022
Ryanair is the most polluting airline in the European Union based on verified emissions covered by the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). In 2022, the Irish low-cost carrier emitted 9.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) for flights within the European Union Economic Area - an increase of roughly 92 percent compared to the previous year. All major airlines in the EU experienced dramatic emission reductions in 2020 due to outbreak of COVID-19 and its impacts on the aviation industry. Although aviation emissions from the 10 biggest emitters have increased since then, they remained below pre-pandemic levels in 2022.