UK government launches consultation on aviation carbon plan

The UK government has launched a public consultation into how it can reduce the carbon impact from flights without forcing up airfares for passengers.

The consultation will examine how the UK implementstheglobal international aviation carbon offsetting scheme, known as CORSIA.

The CORSIA scheme, which has been agreed by around 130 countries, requires airlines to offset their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions on international routes. This includes initiatives such as supporting the switch to using renewable energy sources and reforestation projects.

The UK’s Department for Transport (DFT) said the consultation features proposals for how carbon offsetting for aviation will be regulated and potential penalties for non-compliance.

Aviation minister Mike Kane said: “The UK is already at the forefront of global efforts to address climate change and carbon pricing schemes play a vital role in decarbonising aviation.

“The government is committed to supporting the aviation industry and with our Plan for Change at the heart, we’re helping the UK transition to a cleaner future in the most cost-effective way. We welcome all views on how airlines can continue participating in these crucial initiatives.”

The DFT said that it planned to implement CORSIA while “maintaining commitments” under the UK’s existing emissions trading scheme (ETS), which was introduced after the country left the EU’s ETS in 2021 as part of the Brexit process.

“To prevent flights from the UK to Europe from being subject to both CORSIA and the UK ETS, the consultation suggests measures to ensure airlines are not unfairly burdened,” added the DFT in a statement.

“This approach also aims to avoid unnecessary price increases for passengers, ensuring the UK’s decarbonisation efforts do not negatively impact those who rely on air travel.”

Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, which represents UK-based carriers, said: “Effective carbon mechanisms are critical in ensuring we can continue to deliver for passengers and cargo for generations to come, whilst remaining on track to take the carbon out of travel.”

The European Commission has already put forward proposals for its own directive to calculate offsetting requirements from flights, as part of CORSIA. Earlier this year, European business travel lobby group BT4Europe said it had “serious concerns” about this directive – particularly the way emissions from business travel will be accounted for. 

The UK government’s public consultation on implementing CORSIA runs until 10 February 2025.