Written question – Tackling aviation contrails – E-001706/2025

Question for written answer  E-001706/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sérgio Gonçalves (S&D), Johan Danielsson (S&D), Daniel Attard (S&D)

At the end of last year, a coalition of 50 scientists from across the world called upon global decision-makers to implement solutions to tackle aviation contrails[1]. These are the white lines formed by aeroplanes and they have a significant net warming effect on the climate – potentially equal to or greater than aviation’s CO₂ emissions. Notably, around 80 % of contrail-induced warming comes from just 5 % of flights. Small adjustments to these flight paths could reduce global contrail warming by more than half.

In the light of the above:

• 1.Is the Commission considering any measures to ensure the rapid and widespread implementation of contrail avoidance practices by airlines and air traffic management authorities?
• 2.Could the Commission provide an update on EU funding and support for contrail avoidance trials and associated research initiatives?

Submitted: 29.4.2025

• [1] https://www.transportenvironment.org/articles/aviation-international-scientists-warn-of-warming-impact-of-contrails-and-risks-of-delaying-action.