Spain closer to banning short-haul flights in favour of trains to cut carbon emissions

In a bid to curb carbon emissions from aviation, Spain is a step closer to a ban on short-haul flights that can be efficiently replaced by train journeys lasting less than two and a half hours. This strategic decision aligns with the government's commitment to environmental sustainability and is embedded in the coalition pact inked by Pedro Sánchez and Yolanda Díaz, as disclosed by 20 Minutos.

Following France's lead in December 2022, Spain is now exploring measures to restrict private jet flights and potentially impose taxes on the kerosene used in aviation fuel. France's decision encompasses private jet use for short trips and is scheduled to last for three years, subject to re-evaluation.

An ecological study conducted by Ecologistas en Acción over the last year estimated that the proposed ban would result in a reduction of over 30,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. The study also projected an impact on approximately 21,000 annual flights affecting three million passengers.

Identified routes deemed suitable for replacement by train journeys include:

· Barcelona – Valencia – Barcelona,
· Madrid – Málaga – Madrid,
· Madrid – Pamplona – Madrid,
· Madrid – Santiago de Compostela – Madrid,
· and Madrid – Seville – Madrid.

In addition, flights with less than four daily frequencies in each direction and train journeys lasting less than four hours include:

· La Coruña – Madrid – La Coruña,
· Granada – Madrid – Granada,
· and Logroño – Madrid – Logroño.

However, a study by Greenspace revealed that train travel costs nearly four times more than flying on 14 routes within Spain. Greenspace highlighted Spain's position as the second-highest, after the UK, in terms of the considerable price difference between rail and air travel.

Despite the potential environmental benefits, opposition parties PP and Vox oppose the proposed ban. Vox argued that it could make Spain "less competitive," as reported by Euronews. Guillermo Mariscal, a member of the PP, criticized the ban as "ineffective," citing data from the College of Aircraft Engineers (COIAE) indicating a marginal reduction in emissions of just 0.06%.

As of now, uncertainty looms over the actual implementation of the proposed measure and the specific flights that might be affected. The measure must undergo various procedures and gain approval from relevant authorities before becoming effective.