A 6.2% increase in traffic to 1.41 million flights was recorded between June and August 2024, as well as a 44.9% increase in total ATFM (Air Traffic Flow Management) delays to almost 9 million minutes. The average delay was 13 minutes per delayed flight, with an increase of 80.8% in delays related to ATC capacity and +16.2% in delays related to ATC staff, according to a report by Publituris.

In addition, almost one in two flights in Europe during the summer were delayed in some way. This worsening trend comes as the PRB report highlights a 430% increase in annual delays between 2021 and 2023, highlighting the widening gap between demand and actual airspace capacity.

This gap is expected to persist, especially with traffic growth expected in the coming years. The report urges “ANSPs and Member States to prioritise continued capacity improvements in 2024 and during RP4 to support traffic recovery and future growth”.

It is crucial that, once confirmed, Commissioner-designate Tzitzikostas responds swiftly to President von der Leyen’s call to develop a strategy to address the “inefficiencies in air traffic management under the Single European Sky”, as outlined in his mission letter.

Responding to the delay figures and the PRB report, Ourania Georgoutsakou, Director General of Airlines for Europe (A4E), said: “Reading this year’s PRB report, I have a sense of déjà vu. Once again, it is clear that the situation is getting worse. Reforming European airspace is now one of the most pressing challenges facing the European aviation sector, and was even identified as a priority in Mario Draghi’s competitiveness report. European airspace is failing. Mario Draghi spoke of Europe’s slow agony, but for millions of passengers this summer, the agony was all too real.”

“It is simply unacceptable that almost half of all flights in Europe are delayed at some point during the busiest time of the year. We know the issues and the capacity we have to work with, but it is clear that we are not doing enough with what we have to avoid delays. Reducing delays will not only minimise disruption to passengers but will also bring real environmental benefits, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by 7-10%. A4E stands ready to work with all stakeholders to solve this problem. Europe and its passengers should not be forced to wait any longer,” Georgoutsakou concluded.