The EU is considering applying its carbon price under the Emissions Trading System to long-haul flights, a move that could triple revenue from aviation emissions but reignite a diplomatic dispute frozen for 15 years. Airlines are expected to push back hard against the proposal, which would extend carbon costs beyond intra-European routes to cover international departures. This policy shift would increase the cost of long-haul air travel and generate significant new funding for climate programs. However, it risks triggering legal challenges and trade tensions with non-EU countries that have opposed extending the EU carbon market to their carriers. The debate mirrors earlier conflicts over the EU ETS and aviation, which were paused under the CORSIA agreement.
