It finds that while domestic aviation in Europe has experienced a substantial and persistent decline over the past two decades, this is not a uniform trend, with countries with challenging topographies (remote regions, islands, etc.) or dispersed populations continuing to rely on air travel to ensure regional connectivity.
The number of flights in Europe’s top 12 domestic markets has fallen by approximately 1.5 million compared to their historical peak, a reduction equivalent to 14% of total European flight volumes – although the drop in passengers flown domestically is less pronounced, as larger aircraft are often being used to operate the remaining routes. Yet several regions stand out as exceptions – highlighting the diversity of domestic aviation patterns across the continent.
The trend has not been driven by a single factor, but rather by a combination of structural, infrastructural, and behavioural or policy-related changes, such as:
- more point-to-point international travel
- the collapse of some regional carriers
- the development of high-speed rail, improved road infrastructure, and intermodal solutions, all of which have reduced the competitiveness of short-haul flights
- changes in business travel habits, growing environmental concerns, and government interventions (such as taxes and flight bans).
Looking ahead, the role of domestic air travel in Europe will continue to evolve. Technological innovation, environmental regulation and intermodal integration will likely shape its future. The challenge for policymakers and the aviation sector will be to ensure that regional connectivity remains viable, efficient, and aligned with long-term sustainability goals, particularly in regions where alternatives to air travel are limited.
For more detailed analysis, read the full EUROCONTROL Aviation Trends paper.