Why do people in Europe change from planes to trains?

Eurocontrol has published data showing that the number of domestic flights in European countries has decreased significantly. Why?

The number of people using domestic flights is declining across Europe due to “flight shame” (“shame for air travel”). The new term comes from Europeans’ preference for more sustainable short-distance travel options within the country. In 2022, Germany had 38% fewer domestic flights than in 2019, while Lithuania and Finland saw their numbers drop by 38% and 35%, respectively, as new data from Eurocontrol show.

The Eurocontrol report says the decline may be due to “environmental pressure”. The largest declines were recorded in Germany, Lithuania and Finland, but the trend was fairly consistent across the continent, as evidenced by the data:

• UK -25%;
• Austria -32%;
• Sweden -27%;
• Switzerland -20%;
• Croatia -19%;
• Ireland -17%;
• France -15%;
• Portugal and Spain -7% and -6% respectively.

And only in Hungary the number of domestic flights increased by 56% compared to 2019. Why is the number of domestic flights in Europe decreasing? The main reason is the growing climate crisis.

Austria and France have banned domestic air travel over short distances if it can be reached by rail. At the same time, the governments of many European countries subsidize travel by train. Eurocontrol explains the reduction by the fact that “Spain, Germany and Austria offer cheap train tickets.”

Last summer, Germany introduced a heavily discounted public transport ticket. It gave travelers the right to unlimited use of local and regional trains for only 9 euros per month. From the first of May this year put into circulation single ticketallowing the use of almost all types of public transport. By paying 49 euros, German residents can ride buses and trams, subways and ferries, and trains. Only long-distance buses and high-speed trains will have to be paid separately.

Spain has invested more than 700 million euros in a free ticket scheme for long distance and short distance trains. The Eurocontrol report says:

“Compared to 2019, a traffic gap of 16.7% remains in 2022, which corresponds to a decrease in the number of daily flights by 4989.”

However, air traffic in Europe is still projected to grow, increasing by 4% per year starting in 2025. According to Eurocontrol, by 2029 it will exceed the level of 2019. While not flying is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, writes euronews.

According to the Flight Emission Map carbon calculator, flying in economy class from London to New York, round trip, emits about 1.48 tons of CO2 per passenger. But now, with the rapid resurgence of rail transport in Europe, giving up flying doesn’t mean you’re missing out on vacations. And planning to travel around Europe by train is much easier than it seems.

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