Is there such a thing as being too green? Europe's push for
environmental sustainability may now inconvenience international
travellers as more countries consider stringent measures like short-haul
flight bans, raising concerns about the balance between green
initiatives and practicality.
This may severely inconvenience international travellers who require
longer train journeys to catch connecting flights for long-haul flights
back home.
In 2022, France enforced a ban on short-haul domestic flights. Under
this law, journeys possible in less than 2.5 hours by train are
prohibited from being taken as flights, aiming to reduce carbon
emissions and promote fairer transport options.
Although welcomed by environmental advocates, concerns linger over
the limited scope of the bans. While the EU Commission approved France's
measures, some argue for broader implementation to address the
environmental crisis effectively. On the flip side, there are
environmentalists in Europe who are calling for more extensive bans,
urging stricter regulations to combat climate change effectively.
Spain is now following France's lead, proposing a ban on short-haul
flights where a train journey under 2.5 hours is feasible. This move,
aligned with ambitious climate targets, reflects a broader trend across
the EU to discourage air travel and promote greener alternatives like
trains.
Spain's potential ban targets flights operated by major carriers like
Iberia, Vueling, and Air Europa, impacting key domestic routes and
accounting for 9% of Europe's greenhouse gases.
Other European nations are also taking steps to reduce flights. In
2020, Germany increased taxes on domestic and intra-European flights by
75%, while Belgium introduced a €10 (US$11) tax on short-haul flights
within 500km of Brussels Airport. Denmark plans to levy 100 Danish Krone
(US$15) per passenger in 2025 as a green tax to support sustainable
airline practices. From 2026, the EU will cease providing free permits
for airlines to offset carbon emissions, potentially transferring costs
to consumers.
As Europe navigates its green agenda, the balance between
environmental responsibility and practicality in transportation remains a
contentious issue, with implications for both travellers and the
aviation industry.