IFATCA European Regional Meeting 2025

The International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA), representing air traffic controllers worldwide, successfully convened its European Regional Meeting (ERM2025) in Bologna, Italy.

A total of 37 Member Associations, more than 130 dedicated delegates from across the European region participated, reflecting IFATCA’s strong credibility and commitment to collaboration, safety, and innovation in air traffic management.

Strengthening Cooperation and Knowledge Exchange:

The ERM2025 agenda was designed to combine strategic discussions, technical workshops, and networking opportunities. Delegates began with dedicated sessions on SESAR projects, addressing the integration of research and innovation in the future of European air traffic management. Workshops also explored key challenges, including well-being and fatigue management, operational resilience in and near conflict zones, and emerging safety risks and mitigation initiatives.

An industry partners-focused session offered perspectives under the theme “Look Beyond the Horizon – The Future is Now!”, highlighting how partners envision aviation’s next phase.

Closed Sessions and Regional Priorities: Member Associations convened in closed sessions to review their national reports, exchange best practices, and identify shared challenges. The discussions were structured into subject-based groups to maximize interaction and to draw out common positions. Feedback was consolidated in plenary, ensuring all voices contributed to shaping IFATCA’s European priorities.

The sessions also covered reports from IFATCA task forces, addressing issues such as diversity and inclusion, professional well-being, and the role of the Federation’s knowledge platforms. Preparations were made for future regional meetings, while delegates also acknowledged the planned transition of leadership in Europe: from May 2026, Benjamin Fichtner (Switzerland) will succeed Frédéric Deleau as Executive Vice-President Europe.


Frédéric Deleau, Executive Vice-President Europe will leave his position at the end of April 2026 (Photo IFATCA)

“It has been the highest privilege and honor of my professional career to lead and represent such an incredible dedicated and knowledgeable group of professionals. I cannot be proud enough to have contributed to the development of the Federation in the European Aviation scene during exceptional challenging times. It was a true team achievement, and I could not have done all we worked on without the support of an exceptional team. They are the real “doers” and they shall be recognised for that! Thank you, Marc, Philippe, Olga, Tom, Mark, Akos, Benjamin, and all the EUR reps for your continuous support to our common professional vision and defending our ATC humanist values and ethic! The work is not complete, and I have more than full confidence in Benjamin to raise the professional level of IFATCA in Europe higher! I will leave end of April 2026 with a lot of gratitude for an incredible life experience, beautiful memories - job delivered – time to move on and let the new generation lead” said Deleau.


From May 2026, Benjamin Fichtner (Switzerland) will succeed Frédéric Deleau as Executive Vice-President Europe. Pictured here with Helena Sjöström Falk, President & CEO IFATCA. (Photo IFATCA)

Panels on Performance and Future Challenges:

ERM2025 also featured high-level panels and keynote interventions examining critical challenges for the air traffic management sector.

A performance-focused panel reviewed network resilience and lessons from the busy summer 2025 period.

The “Perfect Storm” panel analyzed the confluence of regulatory, operational, and capacity pressures shaping the future of the aviation system. The panel showed the challenges of the performance scheme set by the European Commission as it does not deliver what is expected from it to any stakeholder. That fact increases tension amongst the industry. A common solution appears to be overdue.

Another panel focused on emerging airspace users, including drones, space operations, and other new entrants, and their integration into controlled airspace.

Looking Ahead:

The meeting concluded with usual closing remarks underlining IFATCA’s ongoing mission: promoting safety, professionalism, and international cooperation in air traffic control. ERM2025 once again demonstrated IFATCA’s unique valuable role in bringing together the expertise and experience of air traffic controllers to shape a safer, more stable and more efficient global aviation system.