MEPs Approve New Rules for More Efficient and Greener EU Airspace

The European Parliament has taken a step towards improving the management of European airspace, facilitating more direct flights, reducing delays, and supporting climate neutrality.

On Tuesday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) approved the reform of the Single European Sky rules, which had already been agreed upon in negotiations with the EU Council last March. This reform strengthens national performance plans for air navigation services and aims to enhance the overall management of EU airspace.

“The reform represents a crucial advancement in eliminating bottlenecks, enhancing air traffic control and management, and lowering costs and emissions through shorter and safer flights. This will benefit all European airlines, especially European citizens,” said EP co-rapporteur Jens Gieseke (EPP, DE).

“The creation of a truly single European airspace, however, has been blocked by member states, unwilling to give up national powers for the greater good. I now call on member states to constructively implement this reform.”

According to the European Parliament, the reform will introduce binding targets and incentives to improve flight efficiency and environmental sustainability. An independent advisory Performance Review Board will be established to assist the European Commission and EU member states in making decisions regarding the implementation of these plans.

“Today, Europe’s airspace resembles a vast jigsaw puzzle where each country holds its own piece, but unfortunately, not all the pieces fit together. This leads to detours, waiting times, and unnecessary costs,” added EP co-rapporteur Johan Danielsson (S&D, SE).

Danielsson noted that in 2023, nearly three out of ten flights were delayed by more than 15 minutes. “The new rules will enhance aviation safety, punctuality, and environmental sustainability,” he said.

Additionally, the European Commission will set EU performance targets focusing on capacity, cost efficiency, and environmental factors for air navigation services, with reviews occurring at least every three years.

Greener air navigation charges

MEPs have included a provision that mandates the Commission to evaluate how charges imposed on airspace users (airlines or private aircraft operators) for air navigation services could incentivize environmentally friendly practices, such as using the most fuel-efficient routes or adopting alternative clean propulsion technologies.

Encouraging competition

Another key objective of MEPs during negotiations was to foster competition in the air navigation services market. The new legislation allows air traffic service providers to procure additional air navigation services, including communication, meteorological, or aeronautical information services, under market conditions.

Next steps

Both co-legislators have now approved the new rules, with the Council doing so on September 26. The rules will take effect 20 days after their publication in the Official Journal of the EU. While most provisions will apply from that date, certain elements—such as penalties for violations and the independence of national supervisory authorities—will come into effect two years later.