To reduce CO2 emissions in aviation, the European Union has three fundamental measures: the use of sustainable fuel, between 3 and 6 times more expensive than conventional fuel; the application of a tax on kerosene to aviation, also known as a green tax; and the restriction of CO2 emission rights according to the modification of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS);
Canary Islands, as an outermost region, managed to be excluded from the first, which obliges airlines operating in EU airports to use at least 2% SAF, from 2025, which will increase to 70% in 2050. The archipelago also obtained the exemption for the second measure, the green tax, at least until 2030.
What it will no longer be excluded from as of January 1, 2024 is the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). From then on, residents of the Canary Islands will have to pay more to fly to any destination in the European Union (except for domestic connections).
Experts consulted by the tourism news portal Preferente.com estimate that this regulatory change will mean an average increase in air tickets of between 10 and 12 euros per journey.
What is the Emissions Trading Scheme?
The European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is the main tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the continent. It represents more than three-quarters of the international carbon trade.
Each emission allowance is equivalent to one ton of carbon dioxide (CO2), the most common greenhouse gas, and companies can buy and sell them to each other according to their needs. The modification of the scheme from 2024 makes emissions more expensive.