What air-traffic control’s worst problems for 25 years mean for your flights
The reasons behind Europe’s worst air-traffic control crisis in decades
- UK holidaymakers face the worst air-traffic control (ATC) issues in 25 years, with 30 million passengers anticipated to be delayed this summer.
- The problems stem from airspace closures due to the war in Ukraine, chronic staff shortages at ATC centres, and frequent strikes, notably by French controllers.
- Eurocontrol figures show France accounts for 50 per cent of all European flight delays, with Spain and Germany each contributing 10 per cent.
- The Covid pandemic significantly impacted the training and recruitment of new controllers, meaning staff shortages will persist through this summer and next.
- The long-delayed Single European Sky initiative, designed to streamline European airspace, remains a potential solution but its slow implementation suggests ongoing disruption.