By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: Domestic Flights versus High Speed Railway Routes
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Signin Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2025 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > Domestic Flights versus High Speed Railway Routes

Domestic Flights versus High Speed Railway Routes

Travel Radar
Last updated: 3 January 2021 18:40
By Travel Radar Staff
4 Min Read
Share
Flight London to Pisa, Italy
Flight London to Pisa, Italy Credit: Valery Collins
SHARE

Air travel was at its peak when the Coronavirus pandemic closed borders and quarantine measures were introduced.  Airlines  in financial difficulties requested government bailouts .  Some have been granted but at a hidden cost.  We have seen already that the French government is dictating routes to Air France.  It is not allowing some short domestic flights to places served by high speed railways.

Summary
The Consequences of Government BailoutsRegaining Confidence in FlyingLessening the Impact of Air Travel on the Environment

The Consequences of Government Bailouts

De Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter on Nordic Seaplane Service from Copenhagen to Aarhus
De Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter on Nordic Seaplane Service from Copenhagen to Aarhus Credit: Valery Collins

The Italian government has re-nationalised Alitalia.  This airline that has been on the brink of collapse for many years now.  The German government has bought into Lufthansa and owns one quarter of the airline.  Whereas the airline is keen to ensure the government will not interfere with their operations.  However, it seems likely the government will be exerting some influence to protect the tax payers’ money.  These bailouts will disturb the natural balance of competition among airlines and other forms of transport.  The reduction in domestic flights may force some regional airports to close through lack of revenue from landing fees, parking, shops and restaurants.  Some regional airports are hubs for long-haul flights.  However, the restoration of confidence in long haul flights may take a long time.

Regaining Confidence in Flying

 The Shinkansen HIgh-speed Train in Japan
The Shinkansen HIgh Speed Train in Japan Credit: Valery Collins

The difficulty of applying rules of social distancing on flights will no doubt result in a lack of confidence in flying.  This may cause travellers to consider other forms of transport such as cars, trains, ferries and buses for short-haul destinations.  Some passengers will pay the premium of First Class or Business Class to ensure their personal safety.  But this will not apply to holidaymakers generally.  Staycations will no doubt be considered the safer option for at least a year.  This ‘lost’ year may be the best time to work on sustainability relating to air travel.  Again, France is leading the way on this issue.

Lessening the Impact of Air Travel on the Environment

The French government wants Air France to become the most environmentally friendly airline.  It will have to reduce carbon dioxide emissions on short haul flights by 50% before the end of 2024 and reach a target of using 2% of its fuel from sustainable sources by 2025.  Air travel is notorious for its large carbon footprint.  This lull in activity is a chance for airlines to review their policies regarding sustainability and to work on ways of reducing their carbon footprint.  Airlines promoting sustainability as part of their brand will probably have a competitive edge on their rivals.  As John Strickland concluded in a recent webinar: “the Covid-19 crisis is a re-set for the airline business.  There is a need for realism but not pessimism about the timescale for and the scale of recovery.  An opportunity for innovation and renaissance.”

You Might Also Like

Partnership Formed between the UAE and ICAO to Develop Global Aviation and Cyber Security
Wizz Air to Rescue Four Aircraft Trapped in Ukraine
Final A380 Wing leaves Broughton Factory
What is the dirtiest part of an airplane?
Singapore International Airlines and its Revolutionary Pop Up Restaurant A380
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Angry0
Travel Radar
ByTravel Radar Staff
Follow:
Articles from guest contributors wishing to remain anonymous are credited to this account. Want to contribute to Travel Radar either in-name, or anonymously? Get in touch: [email protected]
Previous Article french-bee-operates-world’s-longest-domestic-flight French Bee Operates World’s Longest Domestic Flight
Next Article Indian Airlines Prepare to Start Ticket Sales Again
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest

guest

2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Upvoted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

JFK Airport
A Traveler’s Guide to Fast Track Options at JFK Airport
Airlines Aviation
Person sat next to the window on a plane
Why Pilot Training is the Best Investment for Your Teen’s Future
Aviation Careers
Airbus A321 Air Astana P4-OAS
Air Astana to Expand Network in the Middle East and Asia
Airlines Aviation Route Development
Emrecan Ergin, Vice President, Middle East and Africa at PPG Group
Plaza Premium Group Appoints the New Vice President, Emrecan Ergin
Airports Aviation Careers
EasyJet aircraft
easyJet Launch Five-Star Luxury Holiday Package Collection
Airlines Aviation Route Development Travel
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • Latest News
  • Subscribe
  • Weekly Digest
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Media Coverage
  • Press & Events
  • Join Our Team
  • Our Brands

Signup to our Newsletter!

And get the latest aviation news via our weekly news digest!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
wpDiscuz
adbanner
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Not a member? Sign Up