EASA and IATA Join Forces to Boost Airline Sustainability, Empower Passengers with CO2 Emissions Data

Published on November 21, 2025

A groundbreaking collaboration between the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is set to change the way airlines display CO2 emissions data to passengers. This partnership, announced at IATA’s Wings of Change Europe event on November 18-19, 2025, will make it easier for travelers to access crucial environmental data when booking flights. The effort is part of the European Union’s ongoing drive to reduce the aviation sector’s carbon footprint and give passengers the tools they need to make environmentally-conscious choices.

A New Era for Sustainable Air Travel

The new agreement aims to align IATA‘s existing environmental tools, EcoHub and CO2 Connect, with the EU’s newly introduced Flight Emissions Label (FEL). This label, part of a regulation passed by the European Commission in December 2024, will provide passengers with clear, transparent emissions data at the time of booking their flights. The initiative is designed to promote sustainable aviation and ensure that the air travel industry plays its part in tackling climate change.

The Flight Emissions Label will enable airlines from both EU and non-EU countries to voluntarily display emissions data to their passengers. Under this regulation, airlines must calculate and report their CO2 emissions according to a standardized methodology. The ultimate goal is to provide passengers with the information they need to make informed decisions based on the environmental impact of their flight.

Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA, emphasized the importance of collaboration with IATA. He noted that the partnership would simplify the process for airlines to adopt the new emissions label. The more airlines that participate, the better the data will be for passengers, allowing them to make greener choices when booking flights.

Boosting Sustainability and Tourism: A Win for Both Passengers and Airlines

With the tourism industry being one of the most heavily impacted by climate change concerns, this initiative could have a profound effect on travel habits. By making CO2 emissions visible, the collaboration between EASA and IATA will not only help combat the environmental challenges facing aviation but also increase the transparency that travelers increasingly demand.

Tourists are becoming more mindful of their carbon footprints, and the new emissions label gives them the opportunity to select flights based on their environmental impact. As airlines are expected to align their reporting with the new regulations, passengers will be empowered to choose greener options without the guesswork. This could influence the choice of destinations and even the types of airlines travelers choose, making sustainability a critical factor in shaping future tourism trends.

Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, pointed out the importance of both regulatory compliance and meeting growing customer demands for clear and accurate emissions data. “Providing accurate emissions data is crucial for informed decision-making and for maintaining confidence in the sustainability of air transport,” he said. With EcoHub and CO2 Connect, IATA offers airlines a straightforward and reliable way to meet these new standards while ensuring that the data provided is of the highest quality.

How It Will Impact European Travel and Tourism

This partnership is a win for European travel and tourism. As the EU strengthens its position as a global leader in sustainability, the new emissions label is set to play a vital role in attracting eco-conscious tourists. The transparency and trust generated by the label will enhance the reputation of European airlines and destinations, positioning Europe as a leader in green tourism.

For travelers looking to minimize their environmental impact, the Flight Emissions Label provides an easy-to-understand metric for CO2 emissions. This not only helps individual passengers make more sustainable decisions but also supports the broader push toward reducing the aviation sector’s environmental footprint.

Moreover, destinations that actively promote sustainability will see increased interest from eco-minded travelers. For example, cities and countries with strong green tourism policies may experience a boost in bookings as tourists seek to align their environmental values with their travel choices. It’s clear that the move towards sustainability is more than just a regulatory change – it’s a shift in the very way people think about travel.

A Streamlined Process for Airlines

For airlines, the new framework offers a simpler, more efficient way to comply with the European Union’s emissions regulations. By integrating IATA’s EcoHub and CO2 Connect tools with the EU’s Flight Emissions Label, airlines will be able to seamlessly share emissions data with passengers, reducing the administrative burden on companies and creating long-term cost savings.

The collaboration is expected to help airlines integrate their emissions data more easily into booking systems, leading to a more streamlined process. This means less paperwork and more effective tracking of sustainability progress, making it easier for airlines to adhere to new regulations and attract environmentally conscious travelers.

The Road Ahead: Transparency and Accountability for a Greener Future

As the partnership between EASA and IATA takes flight, the aviation industry is moving toward greater transparency and accountability. With more airlines joining the effort to display emissions data, the visibility of flight-related CO2 emissions will only increase. This initiative is not just about providing passengers with information – it’s about driving long-term change within the industry and promoting a more sustainable future for air travel.

The EU’s Flight Emissions Label will also create a level playing field for airlines, ensuring that all companies operate under the same set of rules and standards. As more airlines commit to sustainability, the message is clear: the future of air travel must be green.

The Bigger Picture: A Green Tourism Revolution

In the broader context, this initiative represents a significant step forward in the fight against climate change and the promotion of sustainable tourism. As tourism continues to grow, it’s essential that the industry adapts to the changing demands of eco-conscious consumers. By making emissions data visible and easy to understand, EASA and IATA are setting the stage for a greener future in air travel.

This collaboration aligns perfectly with the growing trend of responsible tourism, where travelers seek to minimize their environmental impact. The transparency and consistency offered by the new emissions label will give tourists the confidence to make sustainable travel choices, ultimately shaping a future where eco-friendly tourism becomes the norm, not the exception.