HUBS or in the convoluted words of the European Commission, ”airport capacity shortages”, are to be investigated by that organisation. It has launched a Consultation Paper on ”airport capacity, efficiency and safety” addressed to airlines, airports, air navigation providers and all other stakeholders of the air transport industry. A recent study noted by the EC, revealed that if demand grows just below the current rate, airports would be severely constrained in 2025. By 2025 more than 60 (European) airports will be congested and the top 20 airports will be saturated at least 8-10 hours per day. This is because traffic demand will have increased by a factor of 2.5 from its 2003 level. Despite a 60% increase of airport capacity in the network, only twice the volume of the 2003 traffic will be satisfied, clearly saturation being reached. Stakeholders are asked to submit written contributions by 15 November 2005.
http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/index_en.htm