Geneva, May 21 -- Europe's air connectivity growth almost stalled in 2025 as airlines faced high operating costs and increasing regulatory pressure, according to a news brief released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The airline industry body said the total number of routes connecting Europe grew by just 1 per cent in 2025, below the 1.5 per cent compound annual growth recorded over the last decade.

"The growth of airline route networks reflects both developments in demand and the operating environment. That the European Union (EU)'s air connectivity virtually flatlined in 2025 is no surprise," said Thomas Reynaert, Senior Vice President External Relations at IATA.

He added that "the regulatory burden is onerous, ...