The Aviation Stance on Night Flights and How It Could Change Travel
There have been an increasing number of discussions in the aviation sector concerning night flights of late. Last week the UK government announced its plans to review the use of night flights in London airports, including how these flights affect locals. Yesterday an Amsterdam airport by the name of Schiphol also announced the end of night flights both entering and exiting their airport. This decision may have been a long time coming, and with evidence of serious consideration being given to night flights by more than one sector, it is safe to consider that more governments, airports, or airlines may choose to join the conversation.
Though no action has been put in place yet, the DfT has taken steps towards a potential reduction of night flights in London. This could result in a ban similar to that in Amsterdam, however, emphasis was given by sources concerning the balance between the aviation economy and the well-being of locals surrounding these airports.
Whether this results in the reduction of night flights or an altogether ban, this could have a significant effect on travel. The government are taking the potential changes into consideration during this review, and this could be an exciting time for many in the travel industry as a cleaner and friendlier aviation sector begins to take form.
Many changes to how aviation works are already being put into action, including the use of new technology that will allow travellers to be better accommodated in airport security. Night flights may demand some significant adaptation from some travellers and travel businesses, but it could be an equally positive change for the future of travel.
Schiphol in Amsterdam is in a similar situation as the aforementioned airports in London. It is a major airport in the capital city of The Netherlands and receives a high amount of traffic by air from many tourists and locals alike. As a major airport, the influence we will see on air travel to Amsterdam could be a sign of what may be to come for the airports in London.
Authorities in Amsterdam have already begun to put into action a ban on night flights, between the hours of 00:00 and 06:00 for outgoing flights, and between the hours of 00:00 and 05:00 for incoming flights. The statistics show that this will reduce the number of night flights by 10,000 per year.
Though this change may have a huge effect on the flexibility of travel times for some travellers and cause others to reschedule their flights and shift plans to accommodate, in the long run, this could have an overall positive effect on the well-being of locals and airport staff. There are many things that are still uncertain surrounding how big of an impact this change will have, but if the positive effects show to greatly outweigh any negatives that might require adapting to, this could be the start of a very interesting change for the travel industry.
Many travel businesses are already aware of the stack of changes that are due to come for the aviation sector, from necessary sustainability changes to changes in airport security, greater accommodations to balance well-being and economy, and the financial protection changes within the ATOL scheme. A lot of businesses are going to need to adapt to some of these changes, even if it is as simple as assisting their clients when bookings need to change in response.
This could be a new era of aviation for travel and an exciting time for those who already selling and those who are just beginning to sell flights. Most of all, the key to entering a time of change like this one is to be prepared, for many looking to begin selling flights this means acquiring your first ATOL. Though this task in itself can seem as daunting as some of the changes to come, applying for an ATOL should be a simple and swift task to deal with, and as a member of Protected Trust Services (PTS), it can be dealt with stress-free, even as a start-up travel business.
So, if your travel business is in need of ATOL assistance or you're looking for some of the best financial protection in the UK travel industry, get in contact with PTS's friendly team today to learn more about how we support PTS members. Just call us at 0207 190 9988 or email our experts at [email protected].