The EU’s continued problem with empty ‘ghost’ flights

That’s potentially 6% of all its routes, and somewhere in the region of 700,000 unnecessary tons of carbon to needlessly fill air traffic allocations. The company claims it has withdrawn 33,000 profitless flights in the coming months, but cannot afford to cut any more under the current umbrella of regulation.

Belgian mobility minister Georges Gilkinet has pleaded for the EU governing body to reduce rates from 50% to 30% as Omicron continues to cause upheaval to bookings. Nevertheless, amid growing pressure from neighbouring nations and activists including Greta Thunberg, the commission appears to be resisting.

In fact, in December of 2021, Brussels announced that the summer period 2022 will see traffic rates raised to 64% with the expectation that demand for flights will again pick up. Like such forecasts can be made with any conviction at the moment.

‘The overall reduced consumer demand is already reflected in the much-reduced rate of 50% compared to the usual 80% rate used,’ said EU Commission spokesman Daniel Ferrie on Wednesday.

It’s infuriating that mere months after the positive and determined rhetoric aroused at COP26, we’re already beset by ridiculous obstacles like this. Knowing the sizable odds we’re up against to achieve the terms of the Paris Agreement, industry leaders are still refusing to act.

As long as these logistics remain unchanged, you can all but forget Boris’ lofty biofuel targets for the global future of aviation.

Hearing the story initially, I’d assumed we we’re likely dealing with some kind of oversight, but those in charge of the legislation aren’t claiming ignorance at all. On the contrary, the shameless reality is that they’re sticking to their guns when presented with the cold hard facts.

It doesn’t get more selfish, or irresponsible than that.