Lazarski Aviation Academy
Aviation is inherently seasonal, with the number of flights fluctuating throughout the year depending on the season. The busiest period for airlines is usually from May to October – airlines optimize their operations by increasing the frequency of flights to certain destinations and adding seasonal routes to meet the increased demand during this peak travel period.
Seasonality in air traffic: ups and downs
During the winter months, especially from November to March, the industry experiences a significant slowdown. The airlines are adapting to this reduced demand by reducing the number of flights, suspending connections on certain routes and offering special prices to attract passengers to fly during the low season. December, however, is an exception, as air traffic increases during the holiday. At the same time, both winter ski resorts and tropical destinations are in high demand, highlighting the wide range of traveller preferences. During the off-season, many airlines also adjust their fleets to maximize seat capacity.
Seasonal fluctuations in air traffic are perfectly illustrated by statistical data collected by EUROCONTROL. For example during the summer peak, at the turn of July and August 2024, the European air network handled an average of 34,203 flights per day. By the first week of December of the same year, this number had decreased to 25,061 flights per day. These data clearly show how the intensity of air traffic changes within the seasons, underlining the dynamic nature of the aviation industry.
These fluctuations in the daily number of flights pose a significant challenge to air traffic management, particularly in terms of optimising resource allocation and minimising delays. Analysing these changes makes it possible to adjust operational strategies, open additional control sectors and adjust capacity to meet daily traffic demands.
Seasonality in air traffic: punctuality rate
Equally crucial is achieving a high punctuality rate, a key objective outlined in the European Commission Implementing Decision establishing EU-wide performance targets for the air traffic management network during the Fourth Reference Period (RP4). The Commission emphasized the Union-wide capacity targets for RP4 should, in particular, foster the swift and effective resolution of the longstanding ATM capacity shortages faced by certain service providers.
The next five years will be a period of intense challenges for the aviation industry. European air traffic is expected to recover and exceed the record volumes of 2019. The demand for more airspace capacity will increase as airport traffic grows. This is a challenge that will be faced not only by the ANSPs but also by the airports.
Aviation at Lazarski University
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