26 November 2024: Last week, ERA participated in EUROCONTROL’s Airport Operations Team (AOT) meeting in Istanbul, as part of a wider initiative to support our airport members. The meeting focused on the current operational challenges, aerodrome pathways to sustainability and, most importantly, how to improve on-time performance. The AOT will serve as a useful platform for ERA to ensure the voice of regional airports are heard within the Network Manager's working arrangements.

The AOT meeting addressed critical topics such as airport operational challenges, sustainability and, most notably, on-time performance. These areas require collective efforts to develop meaningful and effective solutions.

According to FATHOM, from September 2023 to September 2024, ERA airline members experienced an 11 per cent increase in ATFM delays. While en-route regulations saw a slight decrease, airport-related regulations rose by 29.8 per cent, significantly impacting on-time performance across the network. The main factors contributing to airport regulations include airport weather, aerodrome capacity and ATC limitations. These regulations are applied to ensure safety and avoid congestion, but they come at a cost – delays that ripple across the network, creating a challenging environment for both airlines and airports. As these regulations increase, they place additional pressure on airports, particularly regional airports, which may already face challenges with limited capacity and resources. This highlights the importance of collaboration to mitigate these delays and improve on-time performance across the network.

By engaging with the AOT, ERA ensures that the needs of regional airports are brought to the table. It’s not just about advocating for airports; it’s about creating a platform for collaborative problem solving that benefits both airports and airlines. As a multifaceted association, ERA is well placed to bridge the gap between stakeholders, helping to align their efforts for a better aviation sector. Our commitment to facilitating these discussions ensures that regional airports have a voice and that solutions are not only effective but also inclusive.

This is just the beginning. As we are committed to deepening our involvement with the airport community, we encourage our airport members to share their experiences, challenges and insights to continue to advocate for regional airports in all industry dialogues.

For more information, please contact: elena.cuencasanted@eraa.org [1].