What is a Ghost Flight?

Although "Ghost Flight" might sound like a spooky film title, it’s actually a real-world issue rooted in the dramatic decline of global air travel.

A ghost flight is essentially a flight that an airline continues operating, even if it carries few or no passengers. This practice began in Europe, where airlines must maintain their scheduled routes to preserve their valuable airport slots. A similar policy is enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States.

The European Commission, which oversees the European Union's day-to-day operations, also regulates airports' authority to enforce a 'use it or lose it' policy for takeoff and landing slots. Airlines are required to adhere to their designated time slots 80% of the time, or they risk losing them to competing carriers. Air travel already accounts for at least 2.5% of global carbon emissions, and according to Vice, ghost flights consume about 5 gallons (19 liters) of fuel per mile, releasing 0.45 metric tons (one-half ton) of carbon dioxide per seat, even if the seat is empty, as noted by the New York Post.

Due to growing concerns about airline financial losses and the environmental toll of emissions, on March 10, 2020, the European Commission temporarily suspended the 'ghost flight' regulation. Similarly, the FAA halted its rule that requires airlines to use their slots 80% of the time at U.S. airports.

This is not the first time such a suspension has occurred. After the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the 'ghost flight' regulation was lifted. It was also suspended during the 2003 SARS outbreak and occasionally during the 2008 financial crisis.

The timing of this decision is notable, as the Air Transportation Association has warned that global airlines could face over $113 billion in losses due to the sharp decline in air travel in 2020. For instance, United Airlines reported a 70% drop in domestic ticket sales in March 2020 and announced plans to cancel flights in the upcoming months.