Despite a general recovery in air travel in the past year, domestic flying in Germany dropped 38% last year compared to pre-pandemic numbers, in large part due to environmental concerns and increased options.
Eurocontrol, the EU’s air traffic control organization, reported the change last week. Lithuania and Finland saw similar drops; the only country with a bigger drop was Ukraine, down 87% for obvious reasons.
In Germany’s case three factors played a significant role. The country’s rail operators have been adding more high-speed long-distance routes that can often take less time than a flight when airport time is considered, last summer’s €9 fare drew some passengers away from short-haul flights, and lastly, the summer’s airport difficulties led to flight limitations, and airlines tended to cancel short-haul flights first.
Eurocontrol thinks that German air traffic may return to its old levels after 2025, and predict overall increases for Europe. But that estimate may not take into account legislation like that passed in France and being considered in Germany and other countries, to restrict air routes where a train can make the trip in a few hours.
