European aviation industry seeks EU ETS reforms and broader sustainability frameworks

European aviation industry groups are calling for strategic adjustments to climate policies to balance decarbonization with economic competitiveness. The DESTINATION 2050 initiative, representing airlines, airports, and manufacturers, has urged the European Commission to revise the proposed EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) reforms. The group warns that certain provisions could harm European aviation's competitiveness and requested more robust, long-term support for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), specifically opposing the phase-out of waste-based biofuel incentives after 2029.

DESTINATION 2050 also proposed that 100% of revenues from aviation emission allowance auctions be reinvested into the sector to fund technological modernization and decarbonization. Additionally, the group expressed opposition to the unilateral extension of the EU ETS to routes outside the European Economic Area.

Separately, ACI Europe has introduced its Sustainability Strategy for Airports 2.0 for the 2026-2030 period. This framework expands the definition of airport sustainability beyond mere emission reductions to include climate adaptation, biodiversity, resource management, and community relations. Currently, 328 European airports have public roadmaps toward net-zero emissions, covering approximately 83% of European passenger traffic.