Wizz Air has been ranked first in Europe and second globally in Cirium’s 2025 EmeraldSky Annual Review, the independent benchmark for airline emissions efficiency. The airline achieved Gold status, awarded to the world’s top five carriers, reflecting its continued focus on reducing CO₂ emissions intensity while enabling affordable and reliable connectivity.

The EmeraldSky Annual Review assesses the world’s 100 largest scheduled passenger airlines based on CO₂ per available seat kilometre (ASK). The methodology is independently assured by PwC under ISAE 3000, making it one of the most credible and transparent emissions efficiency rankings in aviation. EmeraldSky is also accredited by the Rocky Mountain Institute as a qualified flight emissions data provider under the Pegasus Guidelines, the first climate‑aligned finance framework for aviation.

Wizz Air recorded 52.9 g CO₂ per ASK globally and 53.1 g CO₂ per ASK in Europe, placing it well ahead of its closest European competitors. This performance reflects the airline’s efficiency‑focused operating model and one of the youngest fleets in Europe, with an average aircraft age of 4.7 years, largely consisting of next‑generation Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Leading emissions efficiency while maintaining connectivity

In the European regional ranking, Wizz Air leads with 53.1 g CO₂ per ASK across a network of more than 335,000 flights per year, demonstrating that emissions intensity reductions can be delivered alongside high‑volume operations that connect people, economies and regions across Europe.

Wizz Air’s second‑place global ranking is particularly notable given route differences. The only carrier ranked ahead operates on significantly longer average sectors of over 2,100 km, compared with Wizz Air’s average of 1,547 km, underlining the strength of Wizz Air’s efficiency performance within short‑ and medium‑haul aviation.

Supporting aviation’s decarbonisation pathway

Wizz Air’s emissions intensity performance is the result of long‑term investment, aligned with the airline’s Flying Towards Net Zero roadmap. Fleet modernisation remains central, with continued deliveries of Airbus A321neo aircraft, which consume significantly less fuel per seat than previous‑generation aircraft.

Chief Industry Officer at Cirium Mike Malik said: “Short- and medium-haul operations are the hardest part of the industry to decarbonize on an intensity basis, because there is less distance to absorb the fuel burn from take-off and climb. That is the context for Wizz Air’s ranking this year. Sustained investment in next-generation aircraft and network design are the two levers that move the number, and Wizz Air has used both.”

Beyond fleet renewal, Wizz Air is working across the aviation value chain to support decarbonisation. This includes investment in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through companies such as Firefly, as well as partnerships with Gen Phoenix and Geven on circular materials and lightweight cabin solutions that help reduce fuel burn. Scaling further emissions reductions will depend on continued collaboration across manufacturers, fuel producers, airports and policymakers.