The findings of the last “IATA Wings for Change Europe“These events have once again highlighted the complex landscape of opportunities and significant challenges facing the industry. This tension is intensifying: while global passenger growth is primarily occurring outside of Europe, the European market remains characterized by consolidation and market exits.”
Global passenger traffic in 2025 was projected to reach approximately 9,8 billion, with over 2,5 billion of those passengers traveling through Europe. Despite slower growth compared to the rest of the world, Europe recorded high load factors of almost 84% (IATA) and up to 87,9% in peak months. This demonstrates that European capacity is almost fully utilized and offers little room for further growth. (2025: estimated, 2026: projected; January 26, 2026)
Growth above the EU average
The development of passenger numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic shows a rapid global increase and an emerging race to meet this capacity demand. The rise in passenger numbers to 9,8 billion worldwide underscores once again that growth is occurring not on the European, but on the Asian continent – after all, 7 of the 10 most frequently flown routes are in Asia. While the European market still benefits from the high purchasing power of passengers, reflected in the high profitability of European airlines, this shift will only become more pronounced as passenger numbers and the capacity of Asian airlines, which are able to accommodate this growth, increase.
Against this backdrop, the call for European "champions" is becoming increasingly loud. At the same time, the appeal to political institutions to intensify cooperation and create reliable, pro-European regulatory frameworks has grown louder.
In light of the growing competitive pressure from Middle Eastern carriers, which often operate in significantly less regulated markets, there was broad agreement: only a unified, joint approach can secure the long-term competitiveness of European companies. This is of crucial importance, particularly given the significant economic significance of the aviation industry for Europe as a whole.
The aviation industry contributes around 5% to EU GDP, but faces considerable global pressure. A strategic increase in connectivity could serve as an effective counterweight. The figures illustrate the potential: every 10% increase in direct flight connections generates 0,5% GDP growth and a 1,6% increase in jobs.
In this context, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Jan Jambon emphasized the role of aviation as an engine of prosperity and warned against excessive regulation. Innovation must take precedence over new rules. EU Parliament Vice-President Dolores Montserrat also highlighted the industry's importance to European GDP and called for the implementation of the Draghi Report's recommendations to strengthen competitiveness and security of supply.
Sustainability remains the central issue for the future.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) remains a key technology, but production facilities lack planning certainty, and operators criticize the high costs compared to conventional kerosene. Knowing that bio-SAF, due to limited biomass potential, will only suffice for the next few years' production capacity, while synthetic SAF is essential for achieving the 2050 climate targets, investments in SAF plants are urgently needed. Consequently, the industry is calling for targeted political support and earmarked rebates from emissions trading to strengthen competitiveness.
In conclusion, a harmonized EU regulatory framework and a significant reduction in bureaucracy are the industry's core demands. Even though the European market is growing, it is under immense pressure. Consolidation, sustainable innovation, and targeted political support are now crucial to remaining competitive globally and consistently achieving climate goals.
