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Study: UK flight emissions up 18% since pandemic
CO2 emissions per flight in the UK domestic market have risen 18% in the past five years according to Cirium emissions data just released.
Cirium, the aviation analytics firm, revealed new data from its methodology, EmeraldSky, which measuring aircraft emissions and fuel burn.
The data was analysed for flights flown between June-August 2024 and compared to 2019.
It accounts for each specific aircraft type and their unique design specifications, combined with real-time operational information and flight conditions.
The data finds each flight now emits more CO2.
This is based on the CO2 emissions per flight, in kilograms, for all flights departing and arriving at UK airports.
However, the overall amount of CO2 emissions emitted by domestic flights in the UK, fell 11% in summer 2024 compared to 2019.
This is in part due to the 25% drop in domestic connections offered post-pandemic.
Flights between the UK and Japan have also seen emissions rise over the past five years, due to extended flight times caused by the closure of Russian airspace.
CO2 emissions per flight between the UK and Japan rose more than 21% in summer 2024, compared to summer 2019.
Total emissions on the route are now higher than pre-pandemic levels, despite fewer scheduled flights overall.
Flights between China and the UK have seen a more modest 2% rise in emissions per flight, as Asian carriers continue to use fuel-efficient routings over Russia.
In contrast, transatlantic travel between the UK and US has become more efficient over the past five years, due to the retirement of older, less efficient aircraft.
Emissions per flight between the UK and US are down 7% in summer 2024, compared to pre-pandemic, with total CO2 emissions also falling despite an overall increase in scheduled flights.
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