Air connectivity across Europe saw almost no growth in 2025, according to new data released by International Air Transport Association (IATA).
According to the report, the continent’s total route network increasing by just one percent year over year.
The data found that 1,127 routes across the European Union were cancelled in 2025, while 1,281 were added. Of the new routes, 568 were previously operated within the last decade but had been suspended for at least one year before returning.
That left the EU with a net gain of just 154 routes, bringing the total number of routes serving Europe to 14,797.
“The growth of airline route networks reflects both developments in demand and the operating environment. That the European Union (EU)’s air connectivity virtually flatlined in 2025 is no surprise,” said Thomas Reynaert, IATA’s Senior Vice President External Relations.
“The regulatory burden is onerous, costs are high, and the EU’s well-documented underlying competitiveness issues have not been seriously addressed. Consumer protections are a case in point. The flaws of the current regulation have been known but attempts to correct them appear to be doomed to just make them worse. These are the kind of frustrations that make it more difficult for airlines to grow the connectivity that Europe relies on to power jobs and economic growth,” he added.
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IATA said the one percent increase falls below Europe’s 10-year compound annual growth rate of 1.5 percent.
The association also pointed to aviation’s broader economic importance across Europe, noting that aviation and aviation-related tourism support more than 9.2 million jobs and generate EUR 760 billion in GDP throughout the EU.
“Europe’s prosperity depends on extensive and efficient intra- and inter-continental links. Each new air route creates new jobs and business and social opportunities. Fortunately, European politicians have numerous options to introduce smarter regulations and help airlines compete and grow,” said Reynaert.
Among the policy changes IATA is calling for are reforms to EU261 passenger compensation rules, lower Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) costs, tighter regulation of airport and air navigation fees, greater flexibility for airport slot relief during crises, and the elimination of national passenger taxes.
IATA singled out EU261 reform as the most immediate priority.
“The most immediate opportunity is on EU261. Modest reforms to the thresholds for compensation will help to reduce the EUR 8 billion cost of this out-of-control regulation,” Reynaert said.
“Europe’s politicians are meeting now to decide this. We urge them to look up and see what is going on. The price of jet fuel is at record levels. Infrastructure costs are rising. One simple thing – reducing the cost of EU261 – would make the economics of many marginal routes more manageable for airlines, and re-invigorate air connectivity growth for the benefit of Europe’s citizens. They must act without delay.”
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