The European aviation network demonstrated improved performance over the period June-August 2025 compared to the previous summer, with year-on-year traffic growth of 3% (in line with the STATFOR baseline scenario at network level, but with some significant regional differences), and a reduction in en-route delays of 34%. These were down in all delay categories: a 30% improvement in capacity delays, 22% in staffing, and a significant 43% fewer weather delays. Overall, summer performance proved better than expected from an operational point of view, which demonstrates the clear operational benefits of improved planning, coordination and consistent network procedures being applied across European airspace by the EUROCONTROL Network Manager (NM) and operational actors, and further amplified by support from national governments and authorities.
However, delays remain high and above the target levels, which clearly highlights the ongoing structural lack of capacity (largely driven by a lack of air traffic controllers (ATCOs) in some ANSPs, and the ongoing need to improve airspace design and accelerate technological modernisation). These delays continue to impact negatively passengers and airlines, and this once again underlines that all actors still have plenty to do to tackle system congestion for next summer, and for the coming years in order to meet network capacity needs as traffic continues to grow. The EUROCONTROL NM, in partnership with all operational stakeholders, is now focusing collective efforts on delivering improved 2026 performance, taking full benefit from the lessons learnt during Summer 2025.
Preparations for the Summer 2026 season have already started with particular focus on maintaining network stability and predictability. NM will accordingly be working with all operational stakeholders to build on the priorities of 2025 and the lessons learnt, paying special attention to:
- Significant enhancements of strategic network measures and procedures, addressing both weather and capacity management
- Early preparation and full commitment to the implementation of the Network Operations Plan
- Preparation of optimum sector opening schemes and related staff availability
- Improved rostering and continuous ATCO recruitment
- Airspace modernisation, including implementation of sectorisation changes to better manage demand
- Acceleration of ATM system modernisation and digitalisation, including increased utilisation of datalink and further capacity increases based on this
- Tangible sector capacity increases, benefitting from all the above.