FAB CE is once again preparing for a challenging summer season. Traffic forecasts for Summer 2026 indicate sustained and significant growth, particularly along the South‑East Axis, confirming the continued pressure on the European ATM network. 

 According to STATFOR, traffic in the FAB CE area is expected to grow by approximately 6% compared to Summer 2025. This increase follows an already demanding period of record traffic levels and underlines the need for robust and coordinated mitigation strategies to ensure network performance, stability and predictability throughout the summer season.

Network-wide Challenges and Mitigation

The projected traffic growth makes it essential to apply additional delay mitigation strategies. These include network traffic distribution measures, close coordination with the Network Manager (NM) through network scenarios, and the continued deployment of Capacity and Weather-Based Operations (CWBO). Together, these measures are expected to enhance operational resilience and reduce the risk of excessive delays during peak periods.

One of the key external factors influencing ATM performance in Summer 2026 is the ongoing Middle East crisis. Its impact on European traffic flows is already being felt and could intensify depending on the evolution of the situation. FAB CE ANSPs, in coordination with NM, are closely monitoring developments and are prepared to adapt mitigation measures rapidly should traffic patterns change. In addition to network-level actions, FAB CE Air Navigation Service Providers are implementing a wide range of local measures to absorb traffic growth and optimise capacity, such as:

  • Focusing capacity on early morning first waves / rotations
  • Staffing /roster adaptations, increased ATCO training and other measures
  • Enhancing capacity by improved dynamic sector openings and more flexible coordination procedures
  • Applying sophisticated tools such as complextiy tools and intruder identification tools

Looking Ahead

The Summer 2026 season will once again test the resilience of the FAB CE network. Through close cooperation between ANSPs, the Network Manager and operational partners, as well as through targeted local and network-wide measures, FAB CE is working to ensure safe, efficient and predictable operations in a highly dynamic environment.