Single Sky

Those limits include strikes by traffic controllers, who say the Single Sky plan will compromise safety by forcing them to work more.

Europe Says Bid to Fix Air Traffic Is Snarled Daniel Michaels 2011

Controllers argue the Single Sky endangers fliers because controllers will handle more flights under tighter budget constraints.

Sky Wars: Europe Battles to Erase Borders in the Air Daniel Michaels 2011

In 2004, national governments granted the Commission authority in principle to oversee air traffic under the Single Sky.

Sky Wars: Europe Battles to Erase Borders in the Air Daniel Michaels 2011

The Single Sky "would not have solved the problem, but would have enabled a more nimble response," EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas said in late April, when he announced a push to fast-track the plan.

EU Accelerates Plans for 'Single Sky' 2010

Plans for the Single Sky, which had dragged for years, took on new urgency when Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted in April, prompting the closure of almost 80% of European airspace.

EU Accelerates Plans for 'Single Sky' 2010

AFP/Getty Images EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas champions the Single Sky plan.

Sky Wars: Europe Battles to Erase Borders in the Air Daniel Michaels 2011