Between March 31 and April 6, a new record was set in European aviation: an average of 30,033 flights per day, including a daily high of 31,869 flights on Friday, April 4 – an 8% increase compared to the previous week, according to new data from EUROCONTROL that paints a complex picture of busy skies and operational challenges.
This is the first peak data for 2025, indicating a rapid revival in the aviation market ahead of the summer season.
Leading Airlines: Ryanair Soars, easyJet Follows
Among the airlines, Ryanair leads by a significant margin with an average of 3,451 flights per day – a 24% increase compared to the previous week. easyJet is in second place with 1,701 flights per day – a growth of 15%.
Ryan Air. Photo: Shutterstock
easyJet.: shutterstockIncrease in traffic at the level of countries and airports:
Italy – 3,998 flights per day, an increase of 20%
United Kingdom – 5,583 flights per day, an increase of 10%
Spain – 5,211 flights per day, an increase of 12%
Germany – 4,926 flights per day, an increase of 10%
Additionally, the three busiest airports in Europe – Istanbul, Amsterdam, and Heathrow in London – also recorded an increase in aircraft movement, although at a more moderate rate (3–6%).
Flight Flows on the Rise – and the Middle East Takes the Spotlight
Several regional flight flows saw significant growth at the start of Q2, reflecting a surge in demand for air travel across and beyond Europe. The most notable increases include:
Intra-European flights – up 11%
Europe–Middle East – up 12%
Europe–North America – up 13%
Europe–North Africa – up 10%
This uptick highlights the growing role of the Middle East as a key aviation hub, alongside increased transatlantic and regional activity.