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.
The Middle East conflict has led many Europeans to opt for holidays within their own continent, perceived as safer. Eurocontrol data revealed that Europe's skies reached their busiest levels during the summer holiday season of July to August, even with disruptions from the Middle East war. The aviation safety body reported an average of 35,959 flights per day, marking a 2.4% increase from 2025. A record 37,640 flights occurred on July 10 alone.
While acknowledging the US-Iran war's impact on the tourist season, Eurocontrol emphasized how the conflict spurred Europeans to holiday domestically, generally considered safer. This shift resulted in reduced traffic in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Turkey, but a significant rise in traffic in Albania, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia – along with ongoing growth in southwest Europe.
Greece's airports experienced record passenger numbers, straining its air traffic control system, particularly during peak season. Despite the continent-wide increase, 72.6% of flights arrived on time, a 1.2 percentage point rise from 2025. However, France faced the most significant delays, accounting for 32% of all air traffic control management-related issues.
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