With a net increase of 1.1% in the total number of routes (both within Europe and to the rest of the world), the figure reported by IATA is below the average annual growth rate of 1.5% observed over the last decade.
" The growth of airline route networks reflects both the evolution of
requirement and the operational environment. It was not surprising that air connectivity
The European Union (EU) has flirted with stagnation in 2025. The regulatory framework is costly, prices are high, and the EU's underlying competitiveness issues are not being seriously addressed. Consumer protection is an example of this. The flaws in the current regulation are known, but attempts to correct them seem destined to make them worse. This is the kind of frustration which makes it even harder for airlines to grow the connectivity on which Europe depends for its economic growth and jobs. ', said Thomas Reynaert, IATA's Senior Vice President, External Relations.
In figures, IATA points to:
1127 routes in the EU were cancelled in 2025.
• 1,281 routes have been added (568 of which were "starts" for operated routes
during the last decade, but on pause for at least a year.
• The net addition of 154 routes represents a 11% increase in the network, bringing the total to 14,797 routes.
The benefits of air links in Europe are nevertheless reflected in advantages for the European economy: more than 9.2 million jobs and a GDP of €760 billion are generated in the EU by aviation and aviation-related tourism. Business travel and leisure spending, for example, are supported by the growth of air travel, which unifies Europe and connects the continent to the world.
"Europe's prosperity depends on efficient intra-continental and inter-continental air links. Every new air route creates new jobs and professional and social opportunities. Fortunately, there are many options for implementing regulations that are more favourable to airlines and make them more competitive," describes Thomas Reynaert.
To get a new legal framework adopted
The priority steps for European policymakers should be as follows:
• Reform EU261 regulation on passenger rights. In particular, increase the
thresholds for compensation duration.
• Reduce the costs of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). The establishment of a
the "book-and-claim" process for SAF purchases would allow airlines
to buy SAF where their production is more efficient. e-SAF mandates, such as they are
allowances should be phased out, and revenues from emissions trading schemes
should be used to produce less expensive SAFs.
• Strengthen regulation of airport and air navigation charges
to improve profitability.
• Allow for greater flexibility regarding airport slots during times of crisis.
• Abolish national passenger taxes, following Sweden's example.
" The most immediate opportunity concerns the revision of regulation EU261. Modest reforms to compensation thresholds will help to reduce the costs of this by €8 billion.
Regulations out of control. European politicians are now meeting to decide whether or not to adopt this. We urge them to observe the context with a kerosene price that
reaching record levels. And rising infrastructure costs. This simple measure – the
cost reduction related to EU261 settlements – would ensure that the economic data of
several marginal routes would be manageable for airlines, and that growth
air connectivity would be boosted, to the benefit of European citizens. Politicians
Europeans must act without delay », concluded Thomas Reynaert.
