North Atlantic Oscillation influences on European airline traffic

Quarterly data compiled by the European Airline Association is combined with the North Atlantic oscillation index to investigate links between climate and international air travel. Using a traditional international air travel demand model, it is found that the dissociation of the North Atlantic oscillation index into positive and negative fluctuations can be related to changes in different geographical revenue passenger kilometers time series, once seasonal effects are removed. The results are consistent with the view that meteorological and climate conditions can act as both a pull and push factor in determining tourist decisions.

Research highlights
► The paper looks at the impacts of climate variations on the revenues of the traditional, scheduled European airlines.
► The work finds a positive correlation thought time between the North Atlantic Oscillation index and most of the major markets served by European legacy carriers.
► Climate and meteorological conditions play roles as both pull and push factors in determining air tourism flows.