In short: the environmental impact of an Atlantic crossing
A return flight from Paris to the West Indies generates between 1,700 kg and 2,100 kg of CO2e per passenger in economy class, i.e. almost all of the recommended individual annual carbon budget.
- Direct flight to Pointe-a-Pitre: Count between 1,700 kg and 2,000 kg of CO2e for a round trip from Paris.
- Direct flight to Fort-de-France: The imprint fluctuates between 1,700 kg and 2,100 kg of CO2e per passenger in economy class.
- Lescale impact: An indirect route extends the journey from 8:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on average and overconsumption of fuel during the take-off-landing phase.
- Regulatory framework and prices: The flights benefit from a European environmental exemption until 2030, with return tickets fluctuating between €450 and €800.
What is the actual carbon footprint of a Paris-Antilles trip?
The carbon footprint of a flight to the West Indies represents an average of 1.7 to 2.1 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) per traveler for a round trip in economy class. This volume alone is equivalent to the annual resignation objective per capita recommended to limit global warming.
According to data published by the DGAC and Lademe, a direct return flight between Paris (Orly or Roissy-Charles de Gaulle) and Pointe-à-Pitre airport (PTP) in Guadeloupe generates between 1,700 kg and 2,000 kg of CO2e per passenger. The variations are mainly explained by the occupancy rate of the aircraft, the quantity of freight transported in the hold and the typology of the aircraft operated.
For Martinique, data published by Publidom and Loaci indicate that a direct return flight between Paris and Fort-de-France airport (FDF) emits between 1,700 kg and 2,100 kg of CO2e in economy class. Traveling in business class increases this balance due to the upper ground footprint of each seat, reducing the number of passengers transported per aircraft.
Comparative table of emissions and flight times to the West Indies in 2026
The following table summarizes the official data resignation of greenhouse gases, the average travel time and the price range observed for the metropolis-Antilles routes.
| Route | Type of flight | Average travel time | CO2e emissions (round trip) | Average rate found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris (CDG/ORY) – Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP) | Direct | 8:20 a.m. | 1,700 kg to 2,000 kg | €503 to €545 including tax |
| Paris (CDG/ORY) – Fort-de-France (FDF) | Direct | 8:20 a.m. | 1,700 kg to 2,100 kg | €450 to €800 including tax |
| Paris – Antilles (via regional stopover) | With Stopover (ex. via FDF) | 2:30 p.m. on average | High (LTO overconsumption) | Variable according to season |
Why do stopover flights emit more CO2?
Choosing a trip with a stopover to reach the West Indies systematically increases the overall carbon footprint of the trip compared to a direct route. The reason is based on the mechanics of kerosene consumption specific to commercial aviation.
According to the analyzes of the International Civil Viation Organization (ICAO) and the DGAC, the so-called LTO (Landing and Take-Off, grouping together rolling, take-off, initial climbing and landing) phase is the most energy-hungry. Takeoff requires maximum thrust of the reactors, consuming a disproportionate fraction of fuel compared to cruising flight.
According to the route data taken by Momondo and the DGAC, making a regional stopover (for example stopping in Fort-de-France before reaching Guadeloupe) increases the total travel time from 8:20 a.m. live to 2:30 p.m. on average. The addition of a complete landing and retake cycle increases the environmental balance while unnecessarily extending the travel time.
Financial weight and regulatory framework for flights to overseas
Air connections between metropolitan France and the overseas departments benefit from a specific legal status within European environmental law. The tax and tariff aspects directly affect the overall cost of the trip.
According to the Ministry of Ecological Transition, flights linking the metropolis to Guadeloupe and Martinique are officially exempt from the European Union resignation trading system (SEQE-EU / EU-ETS) until 2030. This exemption aims to to preserve the territorial continuity and the economic accessibility of these island territories not connected by rail or road network.
In terms of tariff terms, the Dair Caribbean and Skyscanner statements indicate that a round-trip Paris – Pointe-à-Pitre ticket in economy class is trading from €503 to €545 including tax in low and mid-season. Regarding Fort-de-France, the data displayed by Bourse des Flights show the starting prices of around €450 in low season, climbing up to €800 during the peaks of the high tourist season.
Administrative formalities and organization of the trip
To travel to Guadeloupe or Martinique from the metropolis, the formalities remain simplified for French and European citizens. A valid national identity card or passport is sufficient to carry out checks.
To optimize the environmental impact of its trip without giving up travel, the most effective solution is to extend the stay on site. Making a three-week stay rather than two ten-day trips makes it possible to divide the transport-related carbon footprint by two for an equal number of vacation days consumed on site.
Frequently asked questions about the carbon impact of flights to the West Indies
What is the average carbon impact of a return flight from Paris to Guadeloupe?
A direct return flight between Paris and Pointe-à-Pitre emits between 1,700 kg and 2,000 kg of CO2e per passenger in economy class, according to figures recorded by the DGAC and LADEM.
Why is it better to favor a direct flight to the West Indies?
Direct flight avoids a second cycle of take-off and landing (LTO), a phase during which aircraft consume the most kerosene. It reduces the journey from 2:30 p.m. to 8:20 a.m. and limits the overall carbon footprint.
Are Metropolis-Antilles flights subject to the European carbon tax?
No, air links between metropolitan France and overseas regions such as Guadeloupe and Martinique benefit from an exemption from the European resignation quota system (EQE-EU) until 2030.
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