EU airspace remains fragmented into 27 national air traffic control systems, providing services from some 60 air traffic centres while the airspace is divided into more than 650 sectors.

ATS units must inform the central unit for ATFM of all events that may affect air traffic control capacity or air traffic demand.

‘air traffic flow management’ means a function established with the objective of contributing to a safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic by ensuring that ATC capacity is utilised to the maximum extent possible, and that the traffic volume is compatible with the capacities declared by the appropriate air traffic service providers.

9". air traffic flow management" means a function established with the objective of contributing to a safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic by ensuring that ATC capacity is utilised to the maximum extent possible, and that the traffic volume is compatible with the capacities declared by the appropriate air traffic service providers.

The air traffic control network comprises the aviation plan (air space reserved for general aviation, aviation routes and aviation aids), the traffic management system and the air traffic control system.

- CONGESTION AND CRISIS IN AIR TRAFFIC IN EUROPE - COUNCIL RESOLUTION "THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Considering that air traffic management is of vital importance for the development of European air transport; Considering that air transport has a key role to play in economic development and strengthening social cohesion, providing swift and efficient links between regions and in particular in making peripheral and island regions accessible; Considering that air traffic congestion imposes serious losses and inconvenience both for airlines and creates economic obstacles for air traffic within the European Union, while causing incon ...[+++]venience for users in general; Considering that such congestion is aggravated seasonally and for given traffic flows and that saturation of the air space and reduction of available capacity are two of the primary causes of this congestion; Considering that an unexpected or unplanned loss of civil air traffic control capacity over an extended period can lead to a crisis; Considering that better utilization of available capacity could reduce congestion and prove useful in cutting costs; Considering that the Council, in its Resolution 89/C189/02 of 18 July 1989 and in its conclusions of 29 March 1990 and 7 December 1992, addressed air traffic system capacity problems, calling for an effort to make progress towards their possible solution; Considering that Directive 93/65 of 19 July 1993 dealt with the definition and utilization of compatible technical specifications for the procurement of air-traffic-management equipment and systems; Considering the communication from the Commission on congestion and crisis in air traffic presented to the Council on 4 September 1995; Considering the vital role in air traffic management and organization played by such international organizations as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the European Civil Aviation Commission (ECAC) and the European Organization for the Safety of Air ...