Europe’s Green Aviation Push Versus Global Mega-Airport Boom

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 7, 2024 23:00 PMNews
Share:
Aircrafts in the desert
Aircrafts in the desert. Source: Photo by Bao Menglong on Unsplash

As Europe works to curb aviation emissions in pursuit of net zero targets, the rest of the world is investing heavily in new mega-airports.

 

This week, Willie Walsh, the former British Airways CEO and current IATA chief, criticized Europe’s stringent green air travel policies, warning that they could alienate the continent from the rest of the world. Walsh argued at an IATA conference in Dubai that Europe should focus on developing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) instead of stifling industry growth.

 

The European Green Deal, approved in 2020, mandates a 90% reduction in transport emissions by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. This has led to France banning short domestic flights, Spain drafting similar laws, and restrictions on night flights at Dutch airports like Schiphol. Meanwhile, Dublin Airport faces passenger limits due to recent expansions, reflecting a broader trend of tightening regulations across Europe.

 

Despite the aviation industry accounting for around 2% of global CO2 emissions, with additional warming effects from other pollutants, Europe’s restrictive measures contrast sharply with global trends. Countries outside Europe are unveiling massive airport projects. Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport aims to become the largest by 2034, with a capacity of 260 million passengers annually. India’s Noida International Airport, Singapore’s expanded Terminal 5, and significant projects in Ethiopia, the Philippines, China, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam collectively promise to accommodate hundreds of millions of passengers each year.

 

These developments raise questions about the fairness of restricting growth in developing countries, which seek to benefit from aviation as Europe has for decades. While newer, more efficient planes offer some hope, the anticipated passenger boom is likely to negate these gains.

 

Climate experts like Stefan Gössling from Linnaeus University highlight the disparity in aviation emissions. In 2018, North America emitted 520kg of CO2 per capita from commercial air transport, compared to 250kg in Europe and just 57kg in the Asia-Pacific region. Gössling suggests that as climate impacts worsen, countries currently expanding their aviation sectors might adopt Europe’s stringent measures within the next decade. This shift, however, may come too late to prevent crossing critical climate thresholds.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM