Ryanair's carbon emissions have surged 50% above 2019 levels, marking the largest increase of any airline globally. The budget carrier's emissions growth outpaces the aviation industry average as European flight departures reached record highs in 2025, exceeding pre-pandemic volumes.

Transport and Environment, a Brussels-based policy organization, released analysis showing that aviation remains Europe's only major polluting sector largely escaping carbon pricing mechanisms. Two-thirds of European aviation's CO2 emissions fall outside the Emissions Trading System (ETS), the continent's primary climate policy tool.

Ryanair's expansion reflects the carrier's aggressive fleet growth and capacity increases across its European network. The airline operates more aircraft and routes than before the pandemic, driving passenger volumes higher. This growth trajectory contradicts the sector's climate commitments and Europe's broader decarbonization targets under the Green Deal framework.

The ETS covers roughly one-third of aviation emissions from intra-European flights. International departures from Europe remain entirely unpriced under current EU law. The International Civil Aviation Organization's CORSIA mechanism, which addresses international aviation emissions, has been criticized by environmental groups as insufficiently stringent and riddled with loopholes.

Transport and Environment's findings underscore aviation's outsized role in European emissions growth. While power generation, manufacturing, and transport sectors achieved measurable carbon reductions through ETS regulations and renewable energy deployment, aviation bucked this trend.

Ryanair has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050 and pledged to introduce sustainable aviation fuel into its operations. However, environmental advocates argue these pledges lack enforceability and concrete near-term targets. Current sustainable aviation fuel production remains below one percent of global jet fuel consumption.

The airline's emissions growth occurs as the European Commission considers expanding ETS coverage and establishing stricter fuel standards for aviation. Policymakers face