European ATFM delays fell 17% during summer 2026, but restrictions still affected 681,000 flights, or around 21% of services. Eurocontrol says capacity and staffing shortages remain the main challenge, warning that 13 of Europe’s 68 area control centres are expected to miss 2026 capacity targets as traffic continues to grow.

Pegasus Airlines has received Czech competition approval for its €154 million acquisition of Smartwings, subject to the expiry of the appeals period. To address competition concerns on the Prague–Antalya route, Pegasus has agreed to release slots to rival carriers. The acquisition significantly strengthens Pegasus’ presence in Central and Eastern Europe, while Smartwings is expected to continue operating as a separate brand.

The German government has approved Emirates to serve a fifth destination in Germany, clearing the way for up to seven weekly flights to Berlin, while overall German frequencies remain capped. The decision follows years of lobbying by Emirates and opposition from Lufthansa, and expands the carrier’s existing Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf and Hamburg network.