Environmental and enviroeconomic impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on commercial flights

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine and compare the total and per passenger HC, CO, NOx and CO2 emissions from aircraft landing and takeoff (LTO) cycle before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it is aimed to determine the global warming potential (GWP), environmental impacts (EIs) and enviroeconomic cost (eco-cost) of these emissions in total and per passenger. Design/methodology/approach Analyses were carried out with the help of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Engine Emission Databank, using real flight data recorded by the airport authority. Findings During the COVID-19 pandemic, total pollutant emissions (HC, CO, NOx and CO2) decreased between 23.7% and 30.8% compared with the pre-pandemic period. In addition, per passenger pollutant emissions increased during the pandemic. Compared with the pre-pandemic period, GWP, EI and eco-cost values decreased by 24.1%, 23.89% and 23.93%, respectively, in the pandemic. However, the per passenger GWP, EI and eco-cost values increased by about 10% compared with the pre-pandemic period. Practical implications This study reveals the effects of COVID-19 in terms of EIs and environmental costs caused by aircraft in the LTO cycle. Originality/value The originality of this study is to calculate the pollutant emissions caused by aircraft in the LTO cycle with real flight data and to reveal the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The novelty of this study is the determination and comparison of total and per passenger pollutant emissions, GWP, EI and eco-cost before and during the pandemic.