Summer is here – and so is a sharp increase in air traffic. Yet again, we see a rise in flight delays and cancellations due to the structural limitations of the European aviation system.

Air traffic management (ATM), in particular, is put in the spotlight, deprived of resources to ensure fluid and punctual operations without compromising on the necessary levels of safety.

Meanwhile, airlines and institutions have started their usual blame game. ATM providers and their staff are the favourite target.

Every year, this mediatic noise distracts public opinion and most decision-makers from the root causes of the problem.

Summer delays and cancellations are mainly the consequence of extreme cost-efficiency policies for ATM and airlines’ overly aggressive competition.

If we want to mitigate this problem, we must change the current EU Performance Scheme for ATM providers, give the right incentives to all market operators, and limit their unreasonable, unsustainable competitive behaviours.

Throughout the summer, ETF will be explaining the true reality behind this recurring problem and presenting the realistic, long-term solutions the system needs.