From January 1, all airlines using EU airports have come under the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which has stirred up strong opposition in the United States, China and India.

Any airline that does not comply faces fines of €100 for each tonne of CO2 emitted for which they have not surrendered allowances. In the case of persistent offenders, the EU has the right to ban airlines from its airports.

"There is space in the legislation that has not yet been explored regarding exemptions for equivalent measures," said the new EU ambassador in New Delhi, Joao Cravinho.