Last month, EUROCONTROL published its latest ‘Aviation Trends’ paper which gives readers a comprehensive overview on how domestic air travel in Europe has evolved over the past two decades.
While the overall trend points to a decline in domestic flights, the report also highlights the continued importance, and examples of how regional services have in fact grown in different parts of EUROCONTROL Network.
Between 2003 and 2024, Europe’s main 12 domestic aviation markets have seen a combined reduction of approximately 1.5 million flights. To put this into perspective, the accounts for around a 14% drop in total European flights based on overall traffic demand last year, although it should be noted that the decline in passenger numbers has been less pronounced, many due to investments made in larger and more efficient aircraft.
However, despite the main headline numbers giving cause for concern from a regional standpoint, ERA airlines continue to play a vital role in maintaining connectivity, particularly in countries with geographic and structural constraints, or those servicing island communities and dispersed populations.
For example, Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira), Greece and Norway all have seen their domestic markets maintain resilience and going against the wider narrative.
Looking ahead, EUROCONTROL rightly anticipates that domestic aviation will continue to evolve in response to technological innovation, environmental regulation and the integration of different transport modes. For regional operators, this presents both a challenge, but importantly, an opportunity.
ERA continues to advocate with all stakeholders and policymakers for increased support and investment to enable regional airlines to deliver sustainable, reliable domestic air services across the continent and maintain the essential connectivity that citizens in Europe’s regions depend on.
To read the full report, please click here.