Brussels, 28 June 2024- The performance of Europe’s airspace declined further in 2023 with a notable increase in delays and costs impacting airlines and inconveniencing millions of passengers. According to the recently released Performance Review Report (PRR) from Eurocontrol, over a quarter of flights did not arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled time in 2023.
En-route Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) delays in 2023 were the second highest over the past 20 years and beat the figure for 2019 which had a higher level of air traffic. Total ATFM delays in 2023 reached 18.1 million minutes which is the equivalent of 301,000 hours or 12,569 days worth of delay.
The report highlights the rigid and inflexible nature of the European ATM industry which is adding to the problem and making it difficult to properly tackle ATM related delays. Insufficient capacity plans and inadequate levels of recruitment of controllers will only add to the pressure on Europe’s airspace.
Already for the rest of 2024, capacity plans indicate insufficient capacity extending to the next half decade meaning delays are unlikely to abate significantly. This is particularly concerning as European airspace gets close to or even exceeds 2019 traffic levels this summer.
The proposed RP4 targets for 2025 to 2029 are highly disappointing. A4E is calling for a rethink of how we’re managing Europe’s airspace in order to actually meet the targets for performance that are set.
Commenting on the PRR Report and published RP4 targets Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of A4E said,
“Airspace is a critical infrastructure for Europe and the latest performance review report from Eurocontrol shows that it is creaking at the seams. Over one in four flights have a delay greater than fifteen minutes in 2023 and this is simply unacceptable for airlines and their passengers. While aircraft navigation technology has raced ahead, airlines fly through a potholed regional road full of detours and traffic lights. Europe needs a smooth and efficient highway in the air.”
“The published targets for airspace performance, the so called RP4 targets, are highly disappointing and do not contain the high level of ambition that would help reduce delays and help airlines to continue to deliver a high quality service for their passengers. As we head towards a peak summer period, we call on ANSPs to do everything in their power to provide the necessary capacity which will help minimise delays and ensure a smooth summer for all,” she continued.
Media Contact:
Kevin Hiney: Communications Director, A4E
Tel: +32 499 828294
Email: kevin.hiney@a4e.eu
About A4E
Airlines for Europe (A4E) is Europe’s largest airline association. Based in Brussels, A4E works with policymakers to ensure aviation policy continues to connect Europeans with the world in a safe, competitive and sustainable manner. With a modern fleet of over 3,600 aircraft, A4E airlines carried over 718 million passengers in 2023 and served nearly 2,100 destinations. Each year, A4E members transport more than 5 million tons of vital goods and equipment to more than 360 destinations either by freighters or passenger aircraft. A4E is #Flyingforourfuture with our commitment to Europe and our call to action for incoming policymakers. Find out more at Flyingforourfuture.eu