The ban in France on flights that have an alternative train of up to two and a half hours has set off alarm bells among airlines operating in Spain. The French initiative sets a precedent and the Spanish Government has suggested similar measures on more than one occasion. Hence, Iberia has come out in defense of short flights. The IAG company yesterday presented a report with PwC in which they underline the economic importance of these. Not surprisingly, it is the main airline that offers this type of flight, which in turn feeds its long-haul network.
According to the study, in Spain there are five routes with alternative trains of around two and a half hours: Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Málaga, Madrid-Seville, Madrid-Alicante and Madrid-Valencia. The report highlights that these five routes contributed 329 million euros to GDP in 2022: 130 million from the aviation sector and 199 million from complementary sectors such as hotels, restaurants or leisure. In addition, 5,980 full-time jobs in 2022. Iberia recognizes that the high-speed rail on these five routes has implied a loss of air quota and a reduction in flight frequencies. Between 2007 and 2019, the number of passengers who traveled by plane on the five routes studied decreased by more than half, from 8.97 to 4.06 million. However, he insists that they continue to be necessary for passengers connecting with the long-haul in Barajas.
