LYON—The transport ministers of six EU countries have discussed short-term measures to curb demand for air transport and thus aviation’s CO2 emissions, urging action to be taken at the upcoming Council of the EU meeting of transport ministers.
Representatives of the governments in Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Luxembourg and Netherlands talked on the sidelines of an informal transport ministers meeting in Prague. At issue were the extension of existing rules and envisaged new rules at the EU level. Those include air fares that reflect actual costs, the ban of short-haul flights when a relevant rail alternative can be found, flight caps at airports and noise-abating measures, according to a joint statement.
Business aviation was specifically highlighted, due to its environmental footprint, which was described as excessive.
Goals will only be met with a European approach, based on more incentives, suitable regulation and support to innovation, the ministers said. Meanwhile, the competitive framework should remain fair, they said. Freedom of movement and connectivity should be preserved, they added.
The Council in December should allot time to that major topic, they said.
Starting next year, the Netherlands’ government is dramatically increasing its flight departure tax, in an attempt to encourage passengers to forgo flying and use greener forms of transport such as rail. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, where staff shortages and surging demand led to temporary flight caps this past summer, faces long-term flight caps to tackle noise and emissions.
In France, Air France had to agree to environmental conditions—including limiting domestic flights for routes where short, high-speed train alternatives exist—as part of its state bailout during the pandemic.
Related Content
