IATA Opposes European Commission Proposal to Expand Emissions Trading

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed deep frustration with a proposal from the European Commission to extend the European Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) beyond European borders. IATA Director General Willie Walsh described the move as a "historic error" that would harm European competitiveness, slow global decarbonization, and cause conflict over extraterritoriality.

IATA urged the European Union to prioritize the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which serves as the current global mechanism for managing aviation emissions. To advance decarbonization, the organization suggested that the EU instead increase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) allowances and implement a book-and-claim system for SAF.