The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has commissioned a research paper that shows the significant economic impact of domestic flight cancellations on both the broader industry and consumers.
The 68-page study, conducted by former Qantas economist Tony Webber, shows a detailed analysis of how airlines over the past two decades have cancelled flights for purely commercial reasons, to the disadvantage of the broader travel industry and consumers.
Speaking on the report, ATIA CEO Dean Long said this research was paramount for highlighting the critical issues within our industry.
“It’s not just about the airports; it’s about understanding where the chokepoints are and addressing them,” Long said.
From the report, the five key findings are:
- Flight cancellations for commercial gain: Airlines have been found to cancel flights not just for operational or weather-related reasons, but also to drive profits.
- Impact on travel intermediaries: The primary cost for travel…