Flight International online news 13:30GMT: The European Commission has recommended that airlines should be included in its greenhouse gas emmissions trading scheme as a way of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide they produce.
The scheme currently puts limits on the emissions of 12,000 big industrial carbon emitters across the EU, with the aim of curbing global warming.
If these companies break through the limit, they have to buy credits from companies whose emissions are below target.
It is estimated that the proposal could add up to nine euros (£6) to the price of a return flight.
The boom in flying is bringing with it a rapid rise in greenhouse gas emissions and although aircraft are responsible for only 3% of EU carbon emissions, the figure is rising fast.
Forecasts suggest that they could make up 25% of the UK's total contribution to global warming by 2030.
The impact of aviation is thought to be especially strong because the gases and water vapour caused by aircraft are deposited directly into the upper atmosphere.
"The boom in flying is bringing with it a rapid rise in greenhouse gas emissions," said Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas.
Source: Flight International
