As an infrastructure provider, we work in the background enabling both civil and military airspace users to fly. Like water, electricity and heating, our service is taken for granted. This is despite rising traffic volatility caused by political tensions and shifting travel patterns. Climate change brings another challenge as more extreme, prolonged weather patterns cause major disruption and our response has to reflect the heightened focus on reducing aviation’s carbon footprint.
During the pandemic, citizens were repatriated and urgent medical supplies flown across borders, including essential deliveries from the Far East. Importantly, worldwide cargo and logistics operations had to be maintained. At very short notice, our air navigation services flexibly adjusted to a different traffic mix and significantly reduced volume.
It is essential to remember that the airspace is indispensable and cannot simply be closed.