Air transport

More sustainable and interconnected air transport

Aviation is responsible for around 14% of transport greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. In order to reduce that share, the EU is introducing several initiatives, focusing especially on greener fuels and more innovative organisation of the airspace.

ReFuelEU aviation: sustainable aviation fuels

Sustainable aviation fuels (biofuels, synthetic fuels and recycled carbon fuels) are among the key short- and medium-term tools to significantly reduce aircraft emissions. However, this potential is largely untapped as the development of sustainable aviation fuels is being hindered by a low level of supply and prices much higher than those of fossil fuels. As a result, such fuels represent only 0.05% of total fuel consumption in the aviation sector.

The ReFuelEU aviation regulation within the Fit for 55 package aims to reduce aviation’s environmental footprint and help the EU achieve its climate targets through the increased uptake of sustainable aviation fuels, while ensuring a level playing field for a sustainable air transport sector. Under the new rules, aircraft fuel suppliers will have to increase the share of sustainable fuels at all EU airports to 70% by 2050.

The infographic presents the goals and benefits of the proposed ReFuelEU aviation and FuelEU maritime regulations which aim to increase the uptake of more sustainable fuels in the two transport sectors.

Fit for 55: increasing the uptake of greener fuels in the aviation and maritime sectors (infographic)

Airplane fuelled by track carrying sustainable fuel, being full by 70%.

Following the provisional agreement reached with the European Parliament on the proposal in April 2023, the Council adopted the regulation in October 2023.

RefuelEU aviation initiative: Council adopts new law to decarbonise the aviation sector (press release, 9 October 2023)

Sustainability of international aviation

All EU countries are members of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Together with the other members, they are working to improve the environmental performance of aviation.

With a view to minimising the adverse effects of international civil aviation on the climate and promoting the sustainable growth of international aviation, the ICAO is working on a number of measures, which include:

aircraft technology improvements
operational improvements
sustainable aviation fuels
CORSIA (carbon-offsetting and -reduction scheme for international aviation)

In June 2020, the EU confirmed its participation in CORSIA from the start of the voluntary phase on 1 January 2021. In addition, the Council adopted a decision in December 2022 to enable member states to comply with some of their CORSIA obligations.

In 2023, the EU adopted the revision of the EU emissions trading system (ETS), which also concerned aviation. The revision is part of the Fit for 55 package. The aim is to increase the sector’s contribution to EU climate policy and implement CORSIA in the EU.

Single European Sky

EU institutions are working on developing common rules and objectives for the management of European airspace under the Single European Sky. Efficient air traffic management should help reduce emissions from the sector, as well as ensuring sufficient capacity and cost-efficiency gains.

The Commission put forward an amended proposal to change the existing regulation on 22 September 2020. In June 2021, the Council agreed on a general approach on the reform of the Single European Sky 

In March 2024, the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the reform, after which both institutions adopted the agreement. The final act was signed on 23 October 2024 and it was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 11 November 2024.

Single sky reform: Council adopts first reading position to improve efficiency of air space management in the EU (press release, 26 September 2024)

Air passenger rights

The regulations on air passenger rights and on airline liability already protect the interests of air passengers in the EU, if they are denied boarding or their flight is delayed or cancelled. They also indicate the rights that air passengers have in the event of accidents or if their baggage is lost, destroyed or damaged.

However, due to a lack of clarity around certain principles that are mentioned in the text, an update of the proposals was put forward in 2013.

After long negotiations with the European Parliament, in July 2026 the Council adopted updated rules. The new framework will strengthen and clarify passenger rights.

The updated rules include:

clearer guidance on how to claim compensation in cases of cancellation and delay
extra assistance during disruptions
new rights regarding 'no-shows' and hand luggage, and for people with specific needs
enhanced rights for passengers being rerouted

Council gives final clearance for stronger air passenger rights (press release, 13 July 2026)

Aviation safety

The European aviation safety system is built on common safety rules that apply in all EU countries. These rules are overseen by the European Commission, the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and national aviation authorities. They cover key areas like aircraft safety, pilot training, airports, flight operations, and air traffic services.

All airlines operating in the European Union have to comply with these safety rules. Those who don’t are banned and put on the EU air safety list – that is regularly updated and helps protect passengers by informing them about airlines that may be unsafe.