The CAA has published a new framework setting out new guidance on the information airlines and other merchants provide to passengers, and has set an April 2027 target for it to be adopted.
It states it will be reviewing flight booking providers, "including applicable airlines, travel agents and flight comparison websites", after this deadline and reporting on progress.
The framework stipulates that "in time", passengers looking to book with outlets that "sell and advertise" flights departing from or arriving into the UK should be provided information on the amount of carbon their chosen flight will emit.
The CAA said with some flight comparison sites already routinely providing this information, and other sectors such as rail making strides too, emissions data should be "standardised and comparable".
The framework requires those selling flights to:
- Present emissions information in a clear and consistent format to passengers at the point of booking;
- Encourage improved transparency in the aviation sector based on real and up-to-date data reflecting factors like aircraft type, seat choice and fuel use;
- Support the industry in its wider efforts toward achieving net-zero emissions, with room for innovation and insights to improve the data as science evolves; and
- Provide a list of preferred methodologies for travel providers to calculate emissions information for consumers
"We expect that by April 2027, organisations will have had sufficient time to adopt this guidance," the CAA has stated.
CAA director Tim Johnson said: “Airlines providing understandable and comparable emissions data will enable passengers to make more informed travel decisions. We encourage all airlines and travel companies that advertise or sell flights in the UK which depart from or arrive at UK airports to follow this guidance."
