Key effects of terminating short-haul routes – the Linz-Vienna example

Abstract

This paper assesses key effects of banning short-haul flights. First, alternative travel options and affected stakeholders are elaborated qualitatively. In a case study, we then analyse key effects of the actual discontinuation of the route Linz-Vienna in Austria (210 km). We find that about 25% of former Linz-Vienna transfer passengers now chose to fly via Frankfurt, instead of using ground transport to reach Vienna or alternative departure airports. For Linz Airport, a loss of 31,000 departing passengers and close to 1,500 flights per year seems to induce a revenue decline of about €3.5 million – non-aeronautical revenues not yet counted.