Europe saw record summer air traffic despite Middle East war
Eurocontrol data shows that Europe saw an average of 35,959 flights a day, a 2.4% increase on 2025, with a record 37,640 flights on July 10.
Europe's airspace saw its busiest summer ever in 2025, with flights surging by 2.4% compared to the previous year, according to Eurocontrol. The continent witnessed an average of 35,959 flights daily, peaking at 37,640 on July 10th. While the ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupted tourism in countries such as Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Turkey, travelers flocked to safer, domestic destinations across Europe.
This shift resulted in an uptick in air traffic in Albania, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia, with continuous growth in the southwest region.
Greece's airports experienced record passenger numbers, straining their air traffic control systems, particularly during the peak season. Nevertheless, despite the overall increase in flights, 72.6% of them arrived on time, representing a 1.2 percentage point improvement from 2025. France, however, struggled with delays due to air traffic control management issues, accounting for 32% of all delays within its borders.
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