Sztrunga, E. (2013). Spatial aspects of the airspace transformation process in the European Union. Modern Geográfia, 8(3), 29–48.
European airspace is fragmented. As a result of the increasing air traffic, the utilization of the capacities is facing difficulties. This means an unnecessary burden for air traffic management, environmental protection and economy. Due to the fragmentation and congestion of the airspace, the majority of flights do not chose the shortest route. That is why the need arose for the creation of the Single European Sky, where air flights can follow an optimal route. Within the unified airspace, air control will be possible at the level of the Functional Airspace Block. Flights will follow the shortest route using free ones, resulting in optimal flight efficiency. Many examples prove that the application of the new concept at the local level is clearly beneficial. The initiative of the free routes will result in the development of new projects in the following years in Finland, Norway, in the area of the Nordic Unified Air Traffic Control, in Serbia and in the winter of 2013-14 in Hungary as well.
Keywords: aviation, air corridors, airspace block, European Union