Angy Odysseos, CANSO Media Relations Manager, discusses what is needed to stay ahead of a changing landscape
Conflict is no longer the exception in global aviation. From the closure of Ukrainian and Russian airspace to growing tensions in the Middle East, it has become part of everyday operations for many air navigation services providers (ANSPs). These recent events are forcing the air traffic management community to adapt quickly. For CANSO and its members, the focus is not just on responding, but on strengthening and evolving how we work.
CANSO supports ANSPs around the world by helping them coordinate during disruption, offering guidance, and building long-term resilience. From airspace closures to interference with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), we’re dealing with more unpredictable challenges than ever before.
Take for example, the closure of Ukrainian and Russian airspace which has led to a 20 per cent reduction in available airspace across Europe since the pandemic, according to the Network Manager. That caused significant rerouting, particularly on east-west flows, putting extra pressure on surrounding ANSPs.
Quick responses are essential, but long-term planning is just as important. The air traffic management (ATM) industry needs to keep investing in modern systems, skilled people, and strong partnerships. Resilience depends on having the right tools and teams in place, ready to manage increased complexity.
Collaboration between neighbouring ANSPs is key. Rerouted traffic doesn’t recognise borders, and a lack of coordination can overload national systems. Joint contingency plans and regular information sharing help maintain safety and efficiency when routes shift.
We’ve seen clear examples of this of late. Countries like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Greece, and Egypt have all taken on additional traffic due to airspace closures occurring recently during the Iran-Israel conflict, while Romania, Croatia and other Eastern European countries have been having the same challenge since a couple of years due to the Ukraine-Russia war.
When flights were rerouted in June due to the Iran-Israel conflict, AZANS in Azerbaijan handled over 10,800 flights in just ten days — 8,200 of those were transits. AZANS reacted fast by adjusting ATC rosters, reconfiguring sectors in real time, and activating reserve teams. Delays were avoided thanks to prior digital investment and operational readiness.
In Croatia, traffic grew sharply in 2023 and 2024 due to both post-COVID recovery and diversions due to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Croatia Control responded with capacity planning, new ATM functionalities, and increased staffing.
HungaroControl, in Hungary, is now managing 30 per cent more overflights than it did before the pandemic. To handle this, they introduced new sector splits and changed flight levels to smooth coordination with neighbours.
Romania’s airspace has also changed significantly, with heavier traffic and a major increase in military activity. ROMATSA adapted with dynamic sectorisation, balanced controller staffing, and strong civil-military coordination.
These shifts show that the ATM industry is entering a new phase where flexibility and coordination are essential. Looking ahead, we need to build regional systems that are scalable and digitally connected. Tools like trajectory-based operations, real-time flow management, and flexible airspace design will become standard.
We also need to support the people managing this complexity. Controllers are dealing with more real-time changes than ever before, and that brings new pressures. Workforce planning, upskilling, and mental health strategies are part of the solution.
Safety continues to depend on fast and clear communication, especially when routes cross areas of tension. ATCOs play a critical safety role – informing pilots, updating Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs), and coordinating with military partners to avoid dangerous zones. Timely rerouting and open dialogue are crucial.
We also need to stay ahead of new risks. Threats like GNSS spoofing (which is common in the Baltic region), cyber-attacks, and civil-military misidentification are real. ANSPs are responding with more secure systems, multi-mode receivers, and backup navigation methods.
Resilience must be built into ATM from the start. We need regional collaboration, smarter routing, and digital tools that help us adapt fast. As the skies grow more complex, so must our systems and strategies.
In 2023, despite reduced airspace, European ANSPs managed over 9 million flights — a 9 per cent increase on the previous year. Delays also climbed. ATFM delays topped 18 million minutes, with more than a quarter of flights running over 15 minutes late. That’s a clear sign that capacity and coordination need urgent attention.
There’s no going back to how things were. Conflict, disruption, and complexity are part of the new normal. The challenge now is to build an ATM system that’s ready for it — one that is resilient, flexible, and prepared for whatever comes next.
