When it comes to Premier League travel, Bournemouth made a choice that has raised more than a few eyebrows.
Instead of taking the train or coach for a short journey, the Cherries opted to fly to London for their match against Tottenham Hotspur.
A 20-Minute Flight That Could Have Been a Train Ride
Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium is just 113 miles from Spurs’ Tottenham Stadium—a distance easily covered in about two and a half hours by road or just under two hours by train.
Yet the team boarded a plane for a quick hop to City Airport ahead of Saturday’s 1-0 win, securing their second victory in three league games.
The decision now leaves fans and commentators wondering whether the club will continue to use flights for the six other top-flight matches they will play in London this season.
Clash with the Club’s Own Sustainability Policy
What makes this move more controversial is Bournemouth’s own sustainability guidelines.
In a seven-page policy document, the club emphasizes “Sustainable Transport”, pledging to reduce reliance on air travel and expand low-carbon options for fans, including coach travel and public transport information.
The policy even highlights initiatives like Cycle to Work and Car Share schemes for employees.
It appears that these eco-friendly goals may not extend to matchday logistics for manager Andoni Iraola and his players.
Premier League’s Environmental Strategy
This incident comes shortly after the Premier League launched its Environmental Sustainability Strategy in March, aimed at tackling climate issues and supporting long-term decarbonization across the league.
The strategy prioritizes sustainable practices and future-proofing the game, highlighting a growing expectation for clubs to consider environmental impact.
Maximizing Time for Training
Sources suggest Bournemouth’s choice was influenced by scheduling pressures.
The team had played Brentford in the Carabao Cup just two days earlier, and flying allowed manager Iraola more time to work with his squad before the Tottenham match.
Club Response
Bournemouth have declined to comment on the decision, but it’s likely the move will continue to spark debate about balancing competitive needs with environmental responsibility in modern football.
