In a significant move to enhance consumer protection, 21 European airlines have agreed to adjust their misleading sustainability claims. This decision follows a collaborative effort led by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) alongside other European consumer authorities from Belgium, Norway, and Spain.

Martijn Ridderbos, a member of the ACM Board, emphasized the importance of preventing consumer deception regarding sustainability claims. He stated that misleading assertions, such as the idea that the negative impacts of a flight's CO2 emissions can be offset by carbon-offset projects, are no longer permissible. The aviation sector's acknowledgment of this issue is a positive step forward.

The airlines involved include major carriers such as Air France, KLM, and Ryanair. They have committed to several key changes: clarifying that CO2 emissions cannot be reduced or neutralized through climate projects, using the term 'sustainable aviation fuels' only when adequately substantiated, avoiding absolute claims like 'sustainable,' and ensuring transparency in CO2 emissions calculations.

Most airlines have already begun implementing these changes. National consumer protection authorities will oversee the enforcement of these commitments, with potential penalties for airlines that continue to use misleading claims. This initiative was sparked by a complaint from the European consumer organization BEUC, which is represented by the Dutch Consumers’ Association.