The European Union has long been at the forefront of climate change regulation, notably through the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), a pioneering mechanism that holds polluters accountable for their emissions. However, one major sector exempt from the ETS is international aviation, which contributes significantly to climate impacts due to both CO2 emissions and non-CO2 effects such as contrails. Despite efforts to bring aviation into the ETS in 2011, the EU faced strong opposition from the US and ultimately backed down, leading to a temporary exemption that persists today. This exemption has allowed emissions from international aviation to continue unchecked, with little progress in reducing environmental damage. Challenges persist with current international aviation emission reduction strategies, such as CORSIA, which lack caps on emissions and heavily rely on offsets. The ineffectiveness of such measures underscores the importance of extending the EU ETS to cover all flights, including transatlantic routes. By taking this step, the EU can reaffirm its commitment to climate action, challenge the status quo of ineffective policies, and demonstrate leadership in sustainable practices. It is crucial for the EU to prioritize the regulation of aviation emissions, not only for environmental reasons but also for social equity, ensuring that the true cost of pollution is accounted for. The EU's stance on regulating aviation emissions will not only impact climate change mitigation efforts but also set a precedent for global climate action.