Predicted air traffic controller assessment: Steady air travel conditions anticipated during the holiday season
The summer holiday season is traditionally a busy time for European air travel, but this year, issues with air traffic control (ATC) are causing chaos for travellers across the continent. Key problems include staff shortages, industrial action, and the compounding effects of wildfires and geopolitical restrictions.
In recent months, strikes by air traffic controllers, particularly in France, have been a source of concern. On July 3-4, 2025, strikes in France led to the cancellation of over 2,800 flights and delayed nearly 7,500 more, affecting over a million passengers, with about 200,000 unable to fly as intended. Flights were delayed by an additional 24 minutes on average, and arrival punctuality dropped from 75% to 64% during the strike days.
The German Air Traffic Control (DFS) operates four control centres and towers at 15 international airports in Germany and manages both civilian and military air traffic in German airspace. Despite the challenges, DFS has prepared for the current summer traffic since last fall, announcing its preparations in Langen near Frankfurt.
The problems are further exacerbated by increased flight volume during the holiday season and additional pressures from wildfire-related airport closures and ongoing restrictions due to the Ukraine conflict. The result is a cascade of delays and cancellations that ripple across Europe, often affecting not only flights to and from the country where direct action is occurring but also neighboring nations due to airspace congestion and rerouting.
Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, has been vocal about his frustration with the European Commission’s handling of ATC disruptions. Following the recent French ATC strikes, O’Leary stated that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen should resign if she is unable to protect the single European aviation market during these strikes. He criticized the ongoing chaos and claimed the strikes forced Ryanair to cancel 1,500 flights, impacting 270,000 passengers.
The criticisms have been focused on the costs associated with air traffic control, as well as the inefficiencies in processes. The European airspace, including German airspace, is still inconsistent, and airlines and their associations have criticized significantly increased costs.
The table below summarises the main issues, their impact on flights during July 2025, and Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary’s response.
| Issue | Impact on Flights (July 2025) | Ryanair CEO’s Response | |---------------------------|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Air Traffic Control Strikes| 1,422 cancellations, 3,713 delays/day | Urges EC President to resign if inaction| | Staff Shortages | Routine delays, cancellations | Critical of EU, demands action | | Wildfires, War Zone Rules | Additional closures, rerouting | Stresses need for market protection |
As the holiday season continues, industry leaders like Michael O’Leary are calling for urgent intervention at the EU level to safeguard passenger rights and airline operations.
- In light of the ongoing chaos caused by air traffic control (ATC) issues during the summer holiday season, Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, has advocated for the European Commission to address these problems, as the cost associated with ATC disruptions and inefficiencies in processes pose significant challenges.
- Furthermore, as vocational training and skill development are crucial for maintaining the smooth operation of the aviation industry, it is essential to investigate the financial implications of ATC strikes and staff shortages that have led to the cancellation of numerous flights and delays for travellers.
- To secure the future of the single European aviation market, the industry must explore collaborative solutions for vocational training and finance, in addition to addressing the ongoing ATC disruptions, particularly in vocational training programs tailored towards improving air traffic management efficiency.
- The aerospace industry, unimpressed by the lifestyle and business disruptions brought about by the current air travel predicament, encourages the European Commission to take swift action towards devising technology-centric solutions that facilitate efficient air traffic control management and travel during the peak holiday season and beyond.
