Predictive traffic management reduces emissions on roads and in the air

Emissions from traffic can also be reduced by keeping vehicles moving. Fintraffic reduces emissions by improving road traffic flow through predictive disruption alerts and speed management, and by coordinating flight routes and landings to minimise unnecessary waiting and acceleration.

Petrol or electric, by air or by rail? Discussions of traffic emissions often focus on the vehicles themselves. The way traffic is managed receives less attention. Smooth traffic is more pleasant for users, and it also helps combat climate change.

"People often assume that emissions can only be reduced through technology or vehicles. How we keep traffic flowing smoothly is equally important," summarises Katariina Korteoja, Head of the Safety, Quality and Environment Unit at Fintraffic's Road Traffic Management.

Traffic consumes the most energy when it is not moving

In road traffic, most emissions are produced when vehicles are at a standstill. Each unnecessary stop, acceleration, or braking increases energy consumption. This inevitably leads to emissions, no matter what propulsion system is used.

"The basic principle of economical driving taught in driving school is straightforward and applies to all forms of transport. The smoother the flow of traffic, the fewer emissions are produced. When traffic becomes congested, energy consumption rises quickly," says Korteoja.

As a traffic controller, Fintraffic's role is to ensure that traffic flows safely and smoothly. Fintraffic uses real-time data to monitor traffic and anticipate disruptions. Road traffic centres monitor the entire Finnish road network 24/7. Disruption information is quickly delivered to drivers via navigation devices, radio channels, and the Fintraffic App.

"In practice, we make sure that drivers get the right information at the right time. For example, if a heavy vehicle becomes stuck at the roadside due to the weather, we can promptly redirect other traffic to alternative routes," Korteoja explains.

A single disruption can bring all traffic to a halt

Traffic flow is also directly influenced by how traffic is managed and timed. Variable speed limits, together with the use of extensive weather and traffic data, help maintain a steady flow of traffic.

"We use data from hundreds of road weather stations and cameras, which gives us a real-time view of both driving conditions and traffic flow. When traffic flows smoothly, emissions from traffic are reduced," says Korteoja. 

The same principles that govern road traffic also apply to air traffic. In air traffic, both efficiency and emissions depend on how flights are planned and managed.

"A plane cannot stop, but it may have to circle, wait, or adjust its speed. Every unnecessary acceleration increases fuel consumption," says Matts-Anders Nyberg, Senior Vice President at Fintraffic's Air Navigation Services (ANS).

Every manoeuvre in the air increases emissions

One of the main ways to reduce emissions from air traffic is the so-called continuous descent approach. This means that the aircraft descends steadily from cruising altitude towards the runway, avoiding unnecessary changes in speed.

"When the aircraft can begin its descent well in advance and glide smoothly, the engines do not need to be used as much as in a traditional step-down approach. This has a direct impact on fuel consumption," says Nyberg.

A continuous gliding descent can reduce fuel consumption by around 15–20 percent compared to a traditional step-down approach. In 2025, 65 percent of all landings at Helsinki Airport were glide descents. This is the highest proportion in the Nordic countries.

"In practice, we create a queue in the air long before the planes reach the destination airport. This allows each aircraft to make its approach as smoothly as possible when its turn comes," Nyberg explains.

In Europe, flights make use of tailwinds

Another important factor in cutting air traffic emissions is route planning. So-called free-route airspace is used in Finland and across Europe. This allows the captain to choose the route to the destination quite freely, based on the latest wind forecasts.

"The shortest route is not always the most cost-effective. Wind conditions have a major effect on fuel consumption, which is why flight plans are almost always based on tailwinds," says Nyberg.

Along with air traffic control, Fintraffic also coordinates flight schedules with airports and airlines. Traffic congestion can also occur in aviation, when everyone wants to depart at the same time.

"By planning traffic well in advance, we can eliminate waiting and avoid unnecessary manoeuvres in the air. This is not only smoother, but also produces fewer emissions," says Nyberg.

One set of rules on the ground and in the air

Fintraffic's environmental impact as a company largely stems from how it influences the actions of individuals and transport operators. Data must be collected, analysed, and shared efficiently.

"The basic principle is the same on land, in the air, on rail, and at sea. When traffic is predictable and runs smoothly, it produces fewer emissions," says Korteoja.

For example, emissions in Fintraffic's own operations arise from the energy needed to process the data required for information management and traffic control. However, proactive management means that the positive environmental impact Fintraffic creates outweighs its negative impact. In other words, the environmental benefits of these actions are greater than the harm they cause.  

"Ultimately, it comes down to anticipation and coordination. If we know what to expect, we can prevent problems before they occur. You can't change everything, but you can always influence your own actions," sums up Nyberg.