European air connectivity ‘flatlined’ in 2025, says Iata

The International Air Transport Association says air connectivity in the European Union “essentially flatlined” in 2025 with a net 1% growth in the total number of routes.

This figure is below the compound annual growth of 1.5% over the last decade.

Thomas Reynaert, Iata’s senior vice-president for external relations, said: “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.

“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.”

Iata said 1,127 routes across the European Union were cancelled in 2025, while 1,281 routes were added – a net gain of 154 routes.

Reynaert added: “Europe’s prosperity depends on extensive and efficient intra- and inter-continental links.”

Iata is urging European policy-makers to reform EU261 passenger rights regulation and reduce the costs of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Also, it says the regulation of airport and air navigation charges should be strengthened to improve cost efficiency and there should be more flexibility for airport slot relief in periods of crisis.

Furthermore, Iata calls for the elimination of national passenger taxes, following the example of Sweden.

Reynaert added: “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.”