European airspace becomes increasingly efficient and environment-friendly

Brussels – New rules for better management of European airspace combined with climate neutrality approved. The EU Parliament adopted the file agreed with the Council in March.

The reform of the Single European Sky (SES) framework started with a 2013 European Commission proposal. Stalled by disagreements between the United Kingdom and Spain over Gibraltar airport, the review only broke the deadlock after Brexit.

In September 2020, the Commission suggested modernizing European airspace management, making paths more sustainable and efficient. The text agreed upon this year by the Council and the European Parliament has, as key points, the strengthening of national performance plans for air navigation services, helping to improve EU airspace management.

“Today’s European airspace is like a big jigsaw puzzle in which each country has its own piece, but unfortunately, not all the pieces fit together. This leads to detours, waiting times, and unnecessary costs,” commented Parliamentary co-rapporteur Johan Danielsson of S&D. Speaking about the need for greater efficiency, Danielsson added, “In 2023, nearly three out of ten flights experienced delays of more than 15 minutes. The new rules will make aviation safer, punctual and more climate-friendly.”

Efficiency and environmental friendliness, in fact, are the key objectives of the SES reform. The Commission’s proposal to establish an independent advisory committee, whose evaluation will be conducted within the European Aviation Safety Agency, has been accepted. The purpose is to help the Commission and member states make decisions regarding projects to be implemented. The Commission is asked to adopt European performance targets on cost efficiency, environmental and climate factors, and capacity, which will be reviewed periodically.

The introduction of a provision to encourage travellers to become more environmentally friendly through the overall assessment of fares has been a big success for the EU Parliament. By analyzing the costs of flights charged by airlines and private individuals to provide services, it will be possible to understand how to combine air traffic and environmental friendliness, for example, by favouring the most environmentally efficient fares or alternative propulsion technologies.

EU Parliament members do not overlook competition. In the new bill, air traffic service providers are allowed to purchase other functional services, such as communication or meteorological services, on market terms.

“The reform is a step forward in eliminating bottlenecks, creating more efficient air traffic control and management, and reducing costs and emissions through shorter and safer flights, which will benefit all European airlines and especially European citizens,” added the Parliament’s other co-rapporteur Jens Gieseke (EPP). “The creation of a truly single European airspace, however, has been blocked by the member states, unwilling to give up national powers for the greater good. I now call on the member states to constructively implement this reform,” Gieseke concluded.

Most provisions will be implemented from the canonical 20 days after publication in the Gazette. Other provisions (e.g., penalties for violating the new rules and independence of the national supervisory authority) will not come into effect until two years from now.