European Air Transport Infrastructure Planning: Present and Future Characteristics

There is no doubt that 1992, the year when the unification of the European Common Market will be completed, may influence the contents of the European Community's air transport policy. The views of the airlines and passengers relative to further liberalization measures will certainly vary widely. Airport considerations linked to further liberalization appear to be topical as well. This is the right time and place to tackle the question of inadequate airspace and airport infrastructure in the European Community. The Commission of the European Communities has already made proposals aimed at coping with the problem of air traffic congestion, a matter requiring further multilateral action. The time is ripe for Eurocontrol to assume the decisive role for which it was originally set up almost 30 years ago. By ensuring the optimum use of the existing resources, the commission can help minimize the risk of duplicating efforts and wasting scarce resources. The commission may well recommend that member states re‐examine institutional, technical, geographic, and economic factors with a view to achieving a more flexible and efficient use of airspace.