Jo Dardenne, Director of Aviation at T&E, has expressed concern about the low-cost business model these airlines are pursuing, noting that it promotes "unsustainable growth." The pace of expansion of these airlines, Dardenne argues, is proceeding at a speed that developments in sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) cannot compensate for. Moreover, despite the dominance of low-cost airlines in the European market, traditional airlines and long-haul flights still account for 42.2% of the sector's emissions.

Dardenne's criticism of the sector's pricing policy is blunt: "Flying is too cheap". He highlights the paradox that passengers may end up paying more for a coffee at the airport than some airlines pay for their carbon emissions. This comment underscores the need for a rethink in environmental pricing and charging policies to more adequately reflect the true costs of aviation's environmental impact.

The current situation poses a critical challenge for European and global regulators: how to balance the affordability of air travel, which has democratized travel for many, with the urgent need to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change. The solution may require a multi-faceted approach that includes implementing stricter emissions regulations, encouraging investment in sustainable fuel technologies, and a global overhaul of pricing and subsidy practices in the airline industry.

This balance is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for the long-term viability of the airline industry, as the impacts of climate change could, paradoxically, threaten the infrastructure and safety of the aviation industry itself.