Single European Sky: Parliament adopts reform for more efficient and greener flights

In brief

On 22 October 2024, the European Parliament definitively adopted the reform of the Single European Sky (SES). This regulation aims to modernise air traffic management in Europe, reduce delays, costs and CO₂ emissions, while improving safety.

Background

The Single European Sky is a project launched in 2004 to harmonise EU airspace, currently fragmented into more than 60 national control blocks. This fragmentation leads to inefficiencies: aircraft often fly in zigzags, lengthening routes, increasing fuel consumption and emissions. The reform, proposed as early as 2013, was the subject of lengthy negotiations between Parliament and the Council. The adopted text is the result of a second-reading agreement.

What was decided

The adopted regulation provides for several key measures:

• Strengthened performance: binding targets for capacity, environmental efficiency and cost-effectiveness for air navigation service providers.
• Separation of functions: national supervisory authorities will be independent from service providers, ensuring impartial oversight.
• Greener air traffic management: financial incentives for airlines that use more direct routes and less polluting technologies.
• Reinforced role of Eurocontrol: the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation will have expanded missions, particularly in planning and performance.
• Transparency and participation: stakeholders (airlines, airports, unions) will be consulted in setting objectives.

Vote result

The text was adopted without a roll-call vote (simplified procedure), meaning it received broad political support. No individual tally was published.

For citizens

In practical terms, this reform should result in:

• Fewer delays: better coordination between air traffic controllers will reduce waiting times on the ground and in flight.
• Potentially cheaper tickets: savings made by airlines (fuel, charges) could be passed on to prices.
• More climate-friendly air transport: reducing CO₂ emissions contributes to the EU's climate goals.
• Enhanced safety: harmonised standards and independent supervision improve system reliability.

The regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Member states will then have two to three years to transpose the new rules.