European Aviation Environmental Report 2025: Turning Goals into Action

The European Aviation Environmental Report 2025 (EAER), released by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in collaboration with the European Commission, European Environment Agency (EEA), and EUROCONTROL, provides a detailed overview of progress and challenges in aviation’s decarbonization journey.

The European Aviation Environmental Report 2025 (EAER), released by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in collaboration with the European Commission, European Environment Agency (EEA), and EUROCONTROL, provides a detailed overview of progress and challenges in aviation’s decarbonization journey.

Aviation, as a critical sector in Europe’s economic landscape, faces a pivotal moment in balancing growth with environmental sustainability. The report outlines historical and future scenarios for air traffic, emissions, and noise, presenting pathways to achieve the ambitious environmental targets set by the European Green Deal and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Key highlights include:

The recovery of flights post-COVID, with EU27+EFTA airports reporting 8.35 million flights in 2023, a figure projected to grow to 11.8 million flights by 2050.

Advances in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), supported by the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, to decouple emissions from traffic growth.

Emissions projections showing the need for additional market-based measures like the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and CORSIA to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050.

A strong call to address noise and air pollution, including ultrafine particles, which pose risks to human and environmental health.

The report highlights the importance of technology innovation, enhanced air traffic management (ATM), and international cooperation in achieving these targets. It also evaluates progress since the 2022 edition, reflecting on achievements like the establishment of sustainability targets and the development of SAF.

Quotes from Key Leaders

• Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, emphasized:“Environmental sustainability in aviation is the defining challenge of the 21st century. By monitoring progress in areas such as Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Air Traffic Management, the EAER ensures that European aviation stays aligned with environmental targets.”

• Florian Guillermet, EASA Executive Director, stated:“We need a concerted effort to turn sustainability goals into action. Honest communication and timely adjustments are essential to maintaining trust and achieving our shared objectives.”

• Raúl Medina Caballero, EUROCONTROL Director General, added:“This report reflects our commitment to transparency and data-driven insights, supporting decision-making for a sustainable aviation future.”

Looking Ahead

The report serves as a critical reference for aligning aviation with the EU's climate objectives. It provides actionable recommendations to improve sustainability while maintaining connectivity and safety. Key recommendations include developing performance indicators for the Single European Sky, promoting SAF, and bolstering emissions trading schemes.

The EAER reaffirms that achieving aviation’s sustainability goals will require robust collaboration, investment in innovation, and comprehensive policy measures.

(from:European Commission)