However, concerns over environmental degradation and noise pollution pose a barrier to the expansion of many already heavily constrained major airports.

Imperial College of London researchers have the largest concept seaplane design. It would have the capacity to carry up to 2000 passengers at a time. This is compared to the world's largest passenger airliner currently in operation, the Airbus A380, which can hold only to 800 passengers in a trip.

Researchers assessed the possibility of using highly advanced waterborne aircraft as an alternative to conventional planes for trans-Atlantic travel. The team showed that such a radical design could be feasible, although further design refinements would be needed.