Key data
| Regulation | Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1032, of 23 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| CELEX Reference | 32026D1032 — Notified with number C(2026) 2556 |
| Publication | 18 May 2026 |
| Entry into force | 23 April 2026 |
| Period covered | Fourth reference period (RP4): 2025-2029 |
| Affected parties | Greek air navigation service providers and airlines operating in Greek airspace |
| Legal basis | Regulation (EC) No 549/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council |
| Category | European Regulation |
Airlines operating European routes passing through Greek airspace have a new reference framework for the next five years. Decision (EU) 2026/1032, adopted by the European Commission on 23 April 2026, confirms that the revised performance plan submitted by Greece complies with Union-wide objectives for the fourth reference period (RP4) of the Single European Sky performance evaluation system.
This validation is not a minor formality: it enables Greece to apply its revised airspace management objectives during the period 2025-2029, with direct impact on the route fees paid by airlines for flying over its airspace.
What does this regulation establish?
Regulation (EC) No 549/2004 created the framework for the Single European Sky, which includes a performance evaluation system for air navigation services. This system requires each Member State to submit national plans with specific objectives in four key areas:
- Safety: safety levels in air traffic management.
- Environment: environmental efficiency of routes (distance flown versus optimal distance).
- Capacity: reduction of delays attributable to air traffic management.
- Cost-effectiveness: determined unit cost of en-route air navigation services.
Greece submitted a revised performance plan for RP4 (2025-2029). The Commission has assessed that plan and concluded that its objectives are consistent with Union-wide objectives, allowing for its effective implementation. This decision was notified with number C(2026) 2556.
Economic and operational impact
The approval of the Greek performance plan has direct economic consequences for air operators using Greek airspace. The mechanism is as follows: the approved cost-effectiveness objectives determine the unit cost that the Greek air navigation service provider can pass on to airlines in the form of route fees.
If efficiency and capacity objectives are met, airlines could benefit from fewer delays and potentially lower fees. If objectives are more demanding in terms of investment or capacity, the approved unit cost may translate into higher route fees.
| Performance area | What it measures | Impact for airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety levels in air traffic management | Indirect: affects operational reliability |
| Environment | Route efficiency (actual distance vs. optimal) | Shorter distance flown reduces fuel consumption |
| Capacity | Delays attributable to air traffic management | Fewer delays reduce operational costs per flight |
| Cost-effectiveness | Determined unit cost of en-route services | Directly determines route fees paid |
Who does it affect?
- Airlines with European routes flying over Greece: any airline operating flights passing through Greek airspace, whether on round-trip or transit routes, is subject to route fees derived from this plan.
- Greek air navigation service providers: are required to apply the approved objectives in all four areas (safety, environment, capacity and cost-effectiveness) during the 2025-2029 period.
- Charter and low-cost flight operators with high frequency in Greece: given the volume of operations in Greek airspace, especially during summer season, the cumulative impact on route fees can be significant.
- Airline operations and finance departments: responsible for modeling air navigation costs in their route budgets for the 2025-2029 period.
Practical example
An airline operating regular flights between Northern European cities and Greek destinations (Athens, Thessaloniki, islands) with multiple daily frequencies accumulates a significant number of service units in Greek airspace throughout the year.
Each time an aircraft flies over Greek airspace, the airline pays a route fee calculated based on the determined unit cost approved in the performance plan and the weight and distance of the flight. With the new RP4 plan (2025-2029) already validated by the Commission, that unit cost is fixed for the period, allowing airline finance departments to budget with greater certainty for air navigation costs on routes including Greek airspace through 2029.
If the approved capacity objectives reduce delays attributable to Greek air traffic management, the airline also obtains an indirect operational benefit by improving punctuality and reducing costs associated with delays.
What should companies do now?
- Review air navigation cost models for routes passing through Greece: with the RP4 plan approved, the determined unit costs for 2025-2029 are now firm data. Update route cost projections for the period.
- Identify the volume of service units in Greek airspace: quantify how many annual operations of your fleet transit through Greek airspace to size the aggregate economic impact of the new fees.
- Monitor approved capacity objectives: the delay reduction objectives in Greek airspace affect operational planning. Coordinate with operations to track compliance with these objectives by the Greek provider.
- Consult the full decision on EUR-Lex: Decision (EU) 2026/1032 (CELEX: 32026D1032) contains the specific objectives approved for each performance area. The regulatory team should analyze the specific values to model the impact.
- Follow the evolution of RP4 in other Member States: Greece is not the only State with a revised plan under evaluation. If you operate in multiple European airspaces, the cumulative impact of approved RP4 plans may be material to your air navigation budget.