Environment - Estonia

PRB monitoring

Estonia registered a KEA performance of 5.75% compared to its target of 6.54% and contributed positively towards achieving the Union-wide target. The NSA states the main reason for meeting the target is mainly driven by changes in traffic composition, such as Asian long-haul cargo traffic.
Both KEP and KES improved in comparison with 2024. The improvement in KES shows that Estonia has improved the element of horizontal flight efficiency that is under its control.
VFE of the actual trajectory was at 76.92%, which was better than the Union-wide average.
No airports are included in the performance plan for monitoring.

En route performance

Horizontal flight efficiency of the actual trajectory (KEA) (KPI#1), of the last filed flight plan (KEP) (PI#1), shortest constrained route (KES) (PI#2) and vertical flight efficiency of the actual trajectory (VFE) (PI#3)

Focus on en route performance

KEA

The value of the indicator has been improving over the last three years. For KEA, it went from 6.55% in 2023 to 6.14% in 2024 to 5.75 in 2025. For the corrected KEA, it went from 2.38% in 2023 to 2.25 in 2024 to 2.12 in 2025. This places Estonia as 3^rd worse (26^th) in terms of KEA, but as 18^th in terms of KEA corrected in 2023 and 2024, and 16^th in 2025.

This should also be put in perspective considering the overall contribution to the total additional distance, which is 0.75% in 2025, corresponding to the 5^th lowest.

Regarding the assessment of the achieved level of actual performance in the environment KPA, the NSA reports: “The slight improvement in KEA in 2025 is mainly driven by changes in traffic composition. Asian longhaul cargo traffic has contributed positively to the aggregated KEA value. The effects of sanctions and the continued closure of Russian airspace remain unchanged and the resulting rerouting patterns have stabilised.”

Regarding the implementation of major operational or structural changes during the calendar year impacting performance in this key performance area, the NSA reports: “No major operational or structural changes in 2025.”

Regarding progress on the implementation of the measures committed to in the ERNIP, the NSA reports: “FRA is fully implemented in Estonia. Preparations for the implementation of FINEST continued in 2025. The impact on environmental KPIs will be assessed once the first sector becomes operational in 2027. The Borealis ENV WG met in 2025 and discussions focused on environmental performance indicators, including contrails, as well as the exchange of best practices and enhanced collaboration among participating ANSPs.”

Regarding the follow up of the remedial measures indicated in the previous monitoring report(s), the NSA reports: “The situation remains unchanged compared to the previous reporting period. The main factors affecting KEA remain outside the control of both the ANSP and the NSA.”

KEP

Regarding initiatives implemented or planned that will improve this PI and how does the NSA intend on monitoring their effectiveness on performance, the NSA reports: “The difference between planned and actual trajectories (KEA–KEP = - 0,15 pp) indicates that operational measures already contribute positively to performance as flights are on average slightly more efficient than planned.

Key initiatives supporting this performance include the implementation of FRA and the use of direct routings by ATC.”

KES

Regarding initiatives implemented or planned that will improve this PI and how does the NSA intend on monitoring their effectiveness on performance, the NSA reports: “The narrow gap between KEP and KES indicates that flight planning is already highly optimised, operating close to the best achievable trajectories within the existing constraints.”

Vertical flight efficiency

Regarding initiatives implemented or planned that will improve this PI and how does the NSA intend on monitoring their effectiveness on performance, the NSA reports: “VFE indicator for Estonia is strongly influenced by structural characteristics of the airspace, including the relatively small size, proximity to airports in neighbouring countries and the high proportion of climb and descent phases within the FIR.

Analysis provided by the ANSP indicates that a significant proportion (approx 90%) of cases where aircraft operates below the planned cruise level during cruise phase are attributable to airline or pilot operational choices rather than ATC constraints. These include requests for lower levels due to aircraft weight, operational considerations or more favourable wind conditions. It is also common practice for some operators to submit standard flight plans and then request adjusted flight levels depending on daily conditions.

The focus of ongoing and planned initiatives is on improving the understanding and interpretation of the indicator.”

Civil-Military dimension

Focus on Civil-Military dimension

Effective use of reserved or segregated local airspace

ESTONIA reports a ratio of 94% (NM data source)

Regarding initiatives implemented or planned that will improve this PI and how does the NSA intend on monitoring their effectiveness on performance, the NSA reports: “The reported ratio is based on NM data. Data for this indicator is currently not systematically collected at the required level of detail. Work is ongoing to establish appropriate data collection. The NM data based ERSA value indicates a high level of effectiveness in the use of reserved or segregated airspace, suggesting that airspace allocation is generally well aligned with actual operational needs. NSA will continue to monitor this indicator for trends.”

Rate of planning via available airspace structures

Comment ESTONIA mentions that the Data used and reported comes from NM. (Data source NM) - the ratio of planning via available airspace structures is 23% (via available restricted and segregated airspaces) - the ratio of planning via available airspace structures is 15% (via available conditional routes)

Regarding initiatives implemented or planned that will improve this PI and how does the NSA intend on monitoring their effectiveness on performance, the NSA reports: “The reported ratio is based on NM data. Data for this indicator is currently not systematically collected at the required level of detail. Work is ongoing to establish appropriate data collection. The NM data based RAI value can be considered good, given the operational constraints in the region. NSA will continue to monitor this indicator for trends.”

Rate of using available airspace structures

ESTONIA mentions that the Data used and reported comes from NM. (Data source NM) - the ratio of the used of the available airspace structures is 25% (via available restricted and segregated airspaces) - the ratio of the use of the available airspace structures is 35% (via available conditional routes)

Regarding initiatives implemented or planned that will improve this PI and how does the NSA intend on monitoring their effectiveness on performance, the NSA reports: “The reported ratio is based on NM data. Data for this indicator is currently not systematically collected at the required level of detail. Work is ongoing to establish appropriate data collection. The NM data based RAU value indicates that available opportunities are utilised effectively, and the results can be considered good in light of the operational constraints in the region. NSA will continue to monitor this indicator for trends.”