“Only by train for vacation”

The crisis year is over, New Year’s resolutions have been made. And many have a growing desire to re-treat themselves after months of uncertainty. For example, a trip far away.

Switzerland is in the mood for travel again. While the number of pre-corona passengers increased every year, there was an increase of 23 percent between 2014 and 2019. Last year, Zurich Airport is talking about 22 million passengers – initially expected 20 million. So you are not yet at the pre-crisis level, so Kloten ZH has recently connected more frequently, for example, to Hong Kong, Delhi or Chicago, Canary Islands, Saudi Arabia or Jordan.

Jean-Pierre Danthine (72) is concerned about what is good news for the travel industry. The former Vice-President of the Swiss National Bank (SNB) is calling for it to be rethought as a contribution to the “Sustainable Switzerland” initiative. “Climate change has been a reality for a long time. In areas where we don’t have enough sustainable alternatives yet, there is only one way: serious renunciation. Especially when flying.”

Compensation does not benefit the climate

A clear commitment from an internationally renowned banker. It says: “Only train to beach holidays.” But how will it work this winter? Danthine has no illusions about this. But he says: “Air travel prices are very low.”

Talking about a serious CO₂– Compensation for limitation of damage. “100 francs per ton of CO² will be minimal. Without such a voluntary commitment, we do not act responsibly.” According to the calculations of the Myclimate Foundation, for the return flight from Zurich to New York (USA), you will have to pay an additional 200 francs with a ticket price of 600 francs.

On the Swiss side, it says: “General claims do not confer any climate benefit on international air traffic.” Rather, the key lies in sustainable jet fuel. Problem: “At this time, this is not yet available in required quantities and at marketable prices.”