The Institution of Civil Engineers Says Passenger Numbers Could Fall Due to Climate Fears

The Institution of Civil Engineers is now say that airports could be closing and air travel may just become something for the wealthy. This is just one of the four scenarios that the organization has given out on the current state of the airline industry as a whole.

The Institution of Civil Engineers says that flying to destinations could become taboo, and this goes double for short haul flights. This will more than likely be brought on by the ambitious targets that the UK government, as well as other countries, have set on reducing carbon emissions.

The number of people using British airports would fall from 206.6 million to just 125 million by 2040. Due to this, airports would have to close down, and the whole transport network would stagnate as a result of this closure.

However, a second scenario has been brought up as well. This one predicts a grim future for the aviation industry as well, saying that there will be a reduction in personal travel as the environmental lobby gains more influence over people. The fall of the airline industry would be very dramatic, and with only 118 million people using the airports, governments would have no choice but to cut taxes on flights to help stimulate demand.

Another scenario, which is a bit more optimistic, pictures the airline industry delivering on its promise to cut climate change. This would result in guilt free flying and, thus, could save the airline industry as a whole. Experts seem to agree, that in order for the airline industry to stay alive, it will have to deliver on its promise to cut down on emissions.