Emission of carbon dioxide equivalences from air transport in the second quarter of 2021 was approximately 90 kilotons, according to estimates. This is an increase by 41.7% from the previous quarter and 54.1% greater than in the second quarter of 2020, but that quarter was characterized by major travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The emissions were 84% lower than in the second quarter of 2018 when they were at maximum, or 595 kilotons.
Rapid changes in emissions from air transport are in part due to closing of companies in the sector as well as travel restrictions due to Covid-19. Emissions calculated here only include Icelandic operators and not foreign ones that offer their services in Iceland. Air transport includes both passenger and cargo operators. Emission values for 2021 are estimated from import of fuels to Iceland and purchases of fuels by Icelandic operators abroad. Fuel sales to foreign operators is estimated from arrival and departure records and subtracted from the total.
Emission from household vehicles was 158 kilotons carbon dioxide equivalences in the second quarter of 2021, which is the highest value from 2016, approximately 22.3% greater than in the same quarter last year. Effects of Covid-19 restrictions appear to have had little or no effects on emissions, but Icelanders did not shy from engaging in road trips this year as well as last year. Emissions from household vehicles was lower in all quarter of 2020. But appears to have recovered to pre-pandemic levels.