Europe Embraces Long-Distance Turboprop Flights This December

Europe is witnessing an intriguing shift in the use of turboprop aircraft, with over 45 flights scheduled in December 2023 that exceed the 800-mile (1,287.5 km) mark. This development, highlighted by aviation analytics company Cirium, showcases the expanding role of turboprops beyond their traditional short-haul routes.

Highlighting Extended Routes

Among these flights, two notable one-off routes are set to serve Malta (MLA). The first, a round trip from Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden (FKB) in Germany, will be operated by Luxwing using a 78-seat Dash 8-Q400 aircraft. Passengers can look forward to a distance of 949 miles (1,527.3 km), with a block time of approximately two hours. This flight is scheduled for December 28, returning the next day.

The second notable route spans an even greater distance, measuring 1,038 miles (1,670.5 km) from Luxembourg (LUX) to Malta. Scheduled for December 20 by flag carrier Luxair, this service will also utilize the Dash 8-Q400, offering two round trips on that day. The outbound flight has a block time of three hours and 10 minutes, while the return is slightly longer at three hours and 35 minutes.

Luxair underscores the advantages of its Dash 8 fleet, stating, “This model has greater flexibility for take-off and landing over short distances, making it the most suitable and efficient aircraft for developing our destinations network across most of Europe.”

Regular Services and Additional Routes

In addition to these special operations, Luxair maintains a regular turboprop route exceeding 800 miles. This service connects Luxembourg to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), located approximately 836 miles (1,345.4 km) away. Throughout December, Luxair plans to operate this route ten times, with two return flights every Friday and Sunday, as well as additional flights on December 23 and 30. Each round trip has a block time of two hours and 45 minutes.

The Dash 8-Q400 aircraft used for these flights are configured in a flexible two-class layout, accommodating varying business class loads. The seats feature a width of 16.8 inches and a pitch of 31 inches, providing a comfortable experience for passengers.

Elsewhere in Europe, other airlines are also participating in long-distance turboprop operations this December. The only route utilizing the ATR 72 involves a weekly service from Gran Canaria (LPA) to Melilla (MLN), a Spanish exclave in northern Africa. Operated by Medavia on behalf of Iberia Regional, this flight covers a distance of 889 miles (1,430.7 km) with block times reaching up to four hours.

In the northern reaches of the continent, two airlines are offering turboprop services on the 874-mile route between Nuuk (GOH) in Greenland and Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport (KEF) in Iceland. Icelandair plans three round trips toward the end of the month, utilizing Air Iceland Connect’s 76-seat Dash 8-400 aircraft. These flights will take place on December 21, 28, and 30, with block times of up to two hours and 45 minutes.

Further complicating the route options, Air Greenland is also scheduled to operate four flights from Keflavík to Nuuk using smaller 37-seat Dash 8-200 aircraft. Notably, there is only one flight planned from Nuuk to Keflavík, with block times extending up to three hours and 20 minutes.

This December marks an exciting period for turboprop operations in Europe, as airlines explore the potential for longer routes, enhancing connectivity across the continent.