Analyses from researchers at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) indicate that replacing short-haul flights with rail travel in Spain could dramatically cut aviation-related CO2 emissions. Aeronautical engineer Adeline de Montlaur notes that emissions could fall by 20% to 32% on mainland routes, depending on the extent of rail adoption.
On routes where rail can cover the journey in up to two and a half hours, the study projects a 20% reduction in emissions compared with current flight patterns, translating to about 365 tonnes of CO2 saved daily. If the replacement were more ambitious and included cross-peninsula trips by rail of up to four and a half hours, CO2 savings would rise to 32%, equating to roughly 580 tonnes per day.
Efforts are underway to position trains as a viable alternative to air travel. The study’s findings will be presented at an international symposium held in Toulouse, France, next week. De Montlaur emphasizes that even shorter train journeys, when considered as door-to-door travel including airport wait times and transfer periods, can compete with air options in terms of total travel time.
Exclusion of connections with international flights
The expert observes that the agreement between political parties to exclude domestic rail links with international flights significantly limits the number of affected routes and curtails potential emission benefits. To achieve meaningful impact, multimodal solutions that connect rail networks with international flights should be explored.
Regarding ticket costs, the UPC professor notes that competition among new operators can lower rail prices. On the Barcelona to Madrid corridor, fares sometimes fall below 40 euros with operators such as Avlo, Ouigo, and Renfe. He adds that rising costs, including environmental considerations, should be weighed against the overall value of rail travel and the potential benefits of reducing air traffic.
There is also concern about penalties for choosing train alternatives over flights, but the article suggests that switching to rail or other modes is encouraged as a practical response to emissions goals. The European Commission’s recent agreement on mandatory green fuels for aviation is unlikely to be fully realized between now and 2050. Previous targets for sustainable aviation fuels have not been met, and current production capacities appear insufficient for broad adoption.
“None of the targets proposed in the past for the use of sustainable aviation fuels have been met.”
Adeline de Montlaur reiterates that reducing CO2 emissions is urgent for aviation, noting the lack of a definitive technological fix such as electric planes and the insufficient supply of sustainable fuels. The most effective measure at present, she argues, is to reduce air traffic while continuing to explore viable alternatives and improving multi-modal travel options.
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