18 September 2024: At the recent ERA Operations Group meeting, EUROCONTROL presented an update on a workstream addressing the costs of diversions from destination airports. A survey has been launched to update diversion cost estimates, provide clearer insight into business impacts and support the development of potential mitigation strategies.

This summer, regional airlines across Europe have been significantly affected by a sharp increase in flight delays, driven by heightened Air Traffic Management (ATM) congestion.

In particular, flight diversions have resulted in substantial operational disruptions, with costs far surpassing those outlined in the University of Westminster’s 2004 Cost of Delay study, which remains the key reference for delay cost information.

The rise in ATM-related delays has exacerbated these challenges for regional carriers. Diversions due to ATM regulations are especially costly, often compounded by reactionary delays for subsequent flights. This creates a cascading effect, impacting not only individual flights but also entire operational schedules.

When flights are diverted to non-base airports, airlines incur additional expenses, including higher ground handling fees, ferry flights, passenger care and compensation under EU261 regulations.

In the two decades since the 2004 study, the cost of flight diversions for regional airlines has increased dramatically, with estimates now substantially higher, even when adjusted for inflation.

EUROCONTROL’s survey seeks to identify the key factors contributing to these rising costs and to help the Agency refine its cost modelling, enabling potential mitigations.

To access the survey, please click here [1]. Note that access is restricted to members only.

All responses will be treated with full confidentiality, and any references to specific figures or airlines will be anonymised prior to publication.

For further information, please contact Nick Rhodes at nick.rhodes@eraa.org [2]