Responsible Travel will no longer sell holidays using domestic jet flights of less than an hour from the New Year, which might mean it has to ditch some packages.

It said its ban on short, internal flights is part of wider company measures to cut emissions without the use of carbon offsets, such as planting trees.

Last year, the company committed to a 55% reduction in CO2 per traveller by 2030, without the use of carbon offsets, which it scrapped in 2009.

Co-founder and CEO Justin Francis said: “The inescapable truth is that we have to fly less. As individuals, of course we can make that choice – but business needs to shoulder its share of responsibility. 

“We have to shelve the myth that we can offset our way out of the climate crisis – that’s not a solution to reducing emissions, it’s false advertising designed to perpetuate flying as usual.

“Reducing carbon and restoring biodiversity are crucial, so that’s what we’re working hard to achieve. We’re not perfect and we’ve a long way to go, but cutting these flights is one of several steps we’re taking to get where we want to be.

“The way we travel needs to change. Alongside our own work, we continue to encourage customers to take fewer flights and, when they do fly, to make it count by staying in destination longer and booking a responsible holiday that directly benefits local communities and nature. 

“We’ll continue to offer responsible trips with flights, because I believe travel has immense value for individuals, communities and nature.”

A spokesperson said Responsible Travel will be working with its partners to amend or remove holidays with internal jet flights of less than an hour.

Alternatives to jet travel might include travel by car, minibus, public transport or boat, they said, adding: “There’s obviously a lot to work through. It’s likely to mean the removal of some trips.”