Air traffic management – connecting European sky
Tuesday 4, May 2010
The aviation chaos unleashed by the eruption of Iceland’s volcano has added new impetus to a long-running effort to unite Europe’s airspace.
Europe's skies are some of the busiest in the world. On average 28,000 airliners take off and land in Europe every day, more than a third of 80 000 flights worldwide. But after the eruption on 14 April, many of those planes were grounded for nearly a week as a giant ash cloud hovered over the continent, creating dangerous conditions for aviation.
More than 100 000 flights were cancelled, stranding millions of passengers and disrupting air traffic worldwide. The EU estimates the crisis cost airlines, tour operators and other European business up to €2.5bn.
The situation served as a wake-up call. EU countries are considering a commission proposal to accelerate implementation of new laws that would consolidate control of European airspace under a single authority. "Stronger European coordination will not solve every problem," EU transport commissioner Siim Kallas says. "But faced with such a pan-European crisis, it would have enabled a much more agile response."
More than 20 years after the EU dispensed with internal land borders, the union still lacks a unified airspace. Each nation remains responsible for its own airspace – and for deciding when it should be open or shut. The job of coordinating air travel between countries falls to Eurocontrol, a pan-European agency representing 38 countries.
This will change under the 'single European sky' – a set of laws adopted in 2004 and revised in 2008. The legislation calls for replacing the EU's 27 airspaces with nine functional blocks of sky managed by a single authority.
The rules are set to take effect in 2012, but in the wake of the ash cloud crisis, the Commission is recommending they be put into practice by the end of this year. EU transport ministers will discuss the proposal at a special meeting on 4 May.
(Source: Europa Portal © European Union, 1995-2010)
Latest news
Tourism
Business travelers want latest technology and best gadgets
Auckland Zoo named one of NZ elite tourist attractions
Caribbean and Mediterranean losing beach tourism market to Southeast Asia
Aviation
Boeing: China will lead the Asia Pacific region in new airplane deliveries
British Airways begins installing new seats in Euro Traveller cabin
American Airlines drops free meals on short haul flights
Hospitality
First capsule hostel to open in Antwerp, Belgium
Marriott named to World's Most Innovative Companies List
Marriott Hotels debuts - healthy vending machine
Find the best deals available today
The grey menu on the right is your best friend. Always check before you travel.
Plan your trips with the help of great resources
More and more travellers think that researching and planning a European city break is half the fun and they're not interested in pre-arranged trips or escorted tours. Self-guided tours offer a lot of advantages but require some guidance and good resources.
Clean, green and very pristine
Top 10 most environmentally pure countries
With the recent wild fires, disrupting flights and increasing air pollution, environmental quality is a growing factor in attracting tourists.
Rooftop
Top 15 most spectacular hotel rooftop views
The hotel price comparison site www.trivago.co.uk has put together a list of the fifteen most spectacular hotel rooftop terraces in the world.
Pro city guides
Places by themes
Latest offers, discounts and more...
Accor “3=2 offer”Why not extend your stay? 3 nights for the price of 2.
Columbus Direct travel insuranceQuality cover at low prices to customers all around the world.
Priority passAccess VIP lounges no matter where which airline and class you fly.
European City CardsSee more and pay less! Get your "passport" to European cities.
Rail EuropeComfortable and affordable on European trains.
Lonely Planet MagazinePacked with insider knowledge, hints and tips.
Sandemans New Europe City ToursFree walking tours in 13 cities within 9 countries.
Sol Melia WednesdaysSearch your exclusive special offers now for the coming weekend!
TransfersLow-cost shuttle and private transfers in over 70 countries.
IMEX Frankfurt 25-27 MayThe essential worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events.
