The Origin Of The Short-Haul Flights Ban In Europe
The aviation industry is one of the top sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, growing by 29% in 2019. While governments tried to fight these numbers, the reality is that less than 7% of passenger transport is operated by trains. This is a surprising figure since one-third of the busiest short-haul flights have trains under 6 hours.
So, Greenpeace joined forces with prominent European governments to fight climate change. Recent research by Greenpeace commissioned presents the following outstanding numbers: 73 of the 250 busiest short-haul flights in Europe, in countries like Switzerland, and the UK, have train alternatives under six hours, and 41 have direct night train alternatives.
Europeans Supporting A Ban On Short-Haul Flights
The short-haul flight ban is a massive change in European regional and international transportation. While most Europeans travel by train between countries and use intercity trains, tourists on euro trips might find train traveling challenging. Nonetheless, train travel is about to become the primary way of traveling in Europe, and the locals are all for it.
A recent European Investment Bank survey shows that 62% of Europeans support a ban on short-haul flights. The majority of people in Germany (63%), France, and the Netherlands (65%) prefer night trains. The challenge European rail companies are facing is providing sleeper trains and all the necessities that make a good night’s sleep possible while traveling. The EU is so supportive of this act, that anyone can now access Greenpeace’s interactive map of Europe and add the train routes they would like to see created or improved.
France Is The First Where Rail Ousted Short – Haul Flights
France is the first country to ban short-haul flights officially. Consequently, passengers who preferred the luxury of flying everywhere in France will now have to change to travel by train. While train traveling sounds tedious, a train journey lasting less than 2.5 hours has many advantages. Initially, flights in 6 routes were planned to be canceled permanently. However, train routes to the airport make it impossible for passengers to arrive early enough in the morning for international flights.
Short-haul flights will cease to operate on the following three routes in France: Paris – Nantes, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Instead, rail travel will replace flights since there is an excellent alternative of 2 hours to the 1-hour plane flight. Moreover, if train services will be improved between Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon and Rennes and between Lyon and Marseille, these routes will join the new policy.
The Advantages Of Traveling By Train
Train travel is the quickest way to travel in Europe thanks to well-connected regional and international rail routes. Furthermore, train traveling offers many perks you cannot enjoy when traveling by plane. Firstly, at train stations, passengers are not required to passport control, security check, and check-in, which saves a lot of time and hassle.
Secondly, when traveling by train, you can enjoy beautiful views that are not available from the plane’s window. For example, many train journeys in Europe offer a window to Europe’s most scenic villages and valleys, like the Loire valley. Thirdly, unlike planes, many rail companies provide free Wi-Fi on trains. So, if you travel business or executive, Wi-Fi is included in the ticket fare.
Cross-Border Travel: Rail Or Short-Haul Flights
Everyone has a story about that time an hour’s trip turned into a 48-hour nightmare. While passengers are more accustomed to traveling by plane, cross-border travel by train is by far more accessible, greener, and a considerable time and money saver. In addition, most rail passengers are unaware of the fact that high-speed trains, like the French TGV, are 40 minutes faster and cheaper than a plane.
For instance, the German ICE rail can take you from Brussels to Cologne in less than 5 hours. In addition, you can add a stop in Paris on the way to Cologne, again via a high-speed train. On the contrary, if you travel by plane, requires additional time to collect baggage, and the risk of airport and flight delays, whereas trains are punctual across Europe. Thus, cross-border rail traveling is ideal in Europe.
The Future Of Short-Haul Flights In Europe
While France is the pioneer, ousting short-haul flights in 3 routes, Austria has ousted Salzburg to Vienna flight route. Germany is still considering the move, like Norway and Poland. The future of short-haul flights is still unknown, but with Generation Z preferring green travel, cultural experiences, and exploring local communities, alternative train travel could provide for all these needs.
