Why air traffic management is investing in quantum technologies

The emergence of quantum technologies is opening new possibilities for air traffic management, from solving complex optimisation challenges to strengthening cybersecurity and navigation resilience. Recognising their long-term potential, the SESAR JU has selected four exploratory research projects that will investigate, for the first time, how quantum computing, quantum sensing and post-quantum cryptography could contribute to the future of air traffic management (ATM).

While practical deployment of quantum technologies in ATM is likely to be decades away, understanding their potential today will help Europe prepare for the next generation of aviation technologies. Through exploratory research, SESAR JU is identifying where quantum could one day deliver operational value, while building the knowledge needed to guide future investment and innovation.

ATM is already one of the most complex real-time optimisation systems in the world. Every day, it coordinates thousands of flights while balancing safety, capacity, efficiency and environmental performance. As traffic volumes increase, drones become integrated into airspace and climate constraints place new demands on operations, the complexity of managing Europe's skies will continue to grow.

Quantum technologies could eventually help address some of these challenges. As ATM evolves towards higher levels of automation, digitalisation and connectivity, future systems will require increasingly resilient navigation capabilities alongside robust cybersecurity and communication infrastructures. Quantum sensing could enhance positioning and navigation, helping maintain safe operations in environments affected by growing GNSS interference, while post-quantum cryptography could strengthen the protection of critical air-ground and ground-ground communications. exploratory.

Exploring quantum opportunities through SESAR research

Through its research and innovation programme, SESAR JU has selected four projects addressing different aspects of the quantum landscape:

JANUS (Jumpstarting Air Navigation Services with Quantum Solutions), coordinated by the University of Zagreb, will explore high-impact applications, assessing potential benefits and addressing emerging cybersecurity challenges. The project will investigate opportunities offered by quantum computing, as well as the transition towards post-quantum cryptography and future quantum communication infrastructures.

NEXT-QCM (Towards Explainable Quantum AI Solutions for Next-Generation Trajectory Optimisation), coordinated by Mälardalen University, will examine how quantum optimisation and quantum machine learning could support future trajectory optimisation. Building on previous research in explainable artificial intelligence, the project will explore how quantum approaches could contribute to more efficient, sustainable and resilient airspace management.

PostQat (Post-Quantum Secure Communication and Surveillance for Air Traffic Management), coordinated by Navaid OÜ, focuses on preparing ATM communications and surveillance systems for the quantum era. The project will assess cybersecurity needs across air-ground, ground-ground and air-air communications, and develop guidance for the transition towards quantum-resistant security solutions.

QUASAN (Quantum Sensing in Aviation Navigation Applications), coordinated by Technische Universität Braunschweig, will investigate how quantum sensing technologies could support more robust positioning and navigation, particularly in environments affected by GNSS interference.

Together, these projects represent nearly EUR 4 million of European investment in exploring how quantum technologies could support the future of aviation.

Preparing the Digital European Sky

Passengers are unlikely to see for themselves these quantum technologies. In action Instead, they could experience the benefits through a more efficient and resilient aviation system: fewer delays, better traffic predictions, optimised flight paths, reduced fuel consumption and emissions, and stronger protection of critical aviation infrastructure.

By investing in quantum research today, SESAR JU is helping Europe anticipate technological change, maintain its leadership in ATM innovation and support the long-term objectives of the European ATM Master Plan. These projects will help identify where quantum technologies can deliver value in the future, while ensuring that safety, cybersecurity, certification and human oversight remain central as aviation moves towards the next generation of digital transformation.

Explore all the projects on our portal

More about the European ATM Master Plan