In 2024, the average distance of a flight in the EUROCONTROL area was 1,157 km, an increase of 17 km from 2023, continuing a six-year trend of rising flight distances.
The most common aircraft types in 2024 were narrow-body models, specifically the Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A320, with MTOWs of 79 tonnes and 78 tonnes, respectively.
The average MTOW for flights has increased by 4 tonnes since 2018 and reached 90.4 tonnes in 2024, showcasing an upward trend post-COVID years.
The average number of seats per flight rose to 183 in 2024, up from 173 in 2018, reflecting improved aircraft capacity and changes in fleet composition.
Despite the efficiency of flying at high altitudes, the optimal flight levels are often unavailable due to congestion, leading to fluctuations in flight levels over the years.
