The discontinuation of domestic flights in Austria: a case study on the impact on passenger routings, regional airports and the environment

Abstract

Short-haul or domestic flight bans are sometimes demanded as (potential) measures to reduce the air transport sector’s carbon footprint. Using an example from Austria as a case study, we assess some key effects of stopping such services. After illustrating alternative routing options, we apply publicly available data to identify key traffic and financial impacts of the suspension of the Linz–Vienna route in the year 2018. Demand data at the origin–destination level suggest that approximately 25% of former Linz–Vienna transfer passengers have switched to flights via Frankfurt instead of using alternative transport modes to either reach Vienna or an alternative departure airport. Approximately 50% of former route passengers now seem to use the train to Vienna as part of their air ticket (AIRail Rail and Fly). For the operator of Linz Airport, these shifts indicate a reduction of 31, 000 departing passengers and approximately 1, 500 flights per year, representing a possible decline of €3.5 million in aeronautical revenues according to the current airport charges regulation. We finally discuss implications for a (potential) discontinuation of other domestic routes in the country as well as the possible environmental impact of such measures.