Beyond operational emissions: LCA of passenger transport modes for short-distance travel

In the context of global environmental challenges, the transport sector remains a key contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, resource consumption, and air pollution. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the environmental impacts of different transport modes, with a focus on very short- and short-haul flights relative to road and rail. The study applies a life-cycle assessment (LCA) approach, considering impacts from vehicle and infrastructure production through operation to end-of-life. The analysis includes greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and other environmental indicators. The findings are based on global average data. The results indicate that, under global-average life-cycle assumptions, short-haul flights emit less per passenger-kilometer than passenger cars, including electric vehicles, whose life-cycle impacts are strongly influenced by battery production and by how electricity is generated. Medium- and long-haul flights have an even lower impact, making them more environmentally efficient than both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles.