Willie Walsh defends short haul flights from climate change criticisms

The former Aer Lingus and British Airways CEO has defended short haul flights across Europe, claiming that the benefits were outweighed by the costs involved.

In a recent blog posted on the IATA's website, the DG said it was "scandalous" that European politicians "lecture airlines and consumers while failing to act themselves."

Director General of the International Air Travel Association (IATA), Willie Walsh has called out European politicians for "grandstanding" about reducing airline emissions, criticising them for taking aim at reducing short-haul flights.

In a recent blogpost, the DG said it was "scandalous" that European politicians "lecture airlines and consumers while failing to act themselves."