Air transport generated more than 4 billion passengers in 2017 and during the last 4 year from 2013 to 2017 generated growth of one billion passengers. Sustainability of air transport is manifested through several key factors like capacity, ecology, economy and security. These factors must be in balance for the purpose of sustainability. Air transport affect on several types of economic impacts on society. Ecological standards are the key of development and sustainability of growth. Security represents key factor for development and definition of capacity. The goal of analysis of the European air transport system is to determine competition level in relation to other air transport regions for the purpose of the scale of economic impact and the benefits of development. Guidelines for the development of European air transport are based on social and market needs, environmental protection, increased safety, sustained expansion of growth and encouragement of technological innovations for the benefit of sustainability. The Croatian air traffic system analysis reveals shortcomings and potentials with the purpose of highlighting the main priorities which represent potential in shape of support to economic activities at the national level.