Ryanair's Michael O'Leary predicts worsening air traffic control delays this summer

In recent interviews, Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary has expressed grave concerns over the state of air traffic control (ATC) in Europe. Observations point out that ATC delays have significantly worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic, with an alarming increase of 50% in the past five years. This deterioration is largely attributed to staff shortages, with many air navigation service providers across Europe admitting their struggles to maintain sufficient staffing levels. The system is described as 'broken,' with O'Leary emphasizing the inefficiencies caused by high fees without adequate service delivery. Furthermore, analysis of the Eurocontrol Performance Review Report by The Independent indicates that air travel during the summer months of June, July, and August in 2024 likely represents the worst air traffic control situation in over two decades. Particularly, the two busiest airports in the UK, Heathrow and Gatwick, are highlighted as being significantly affected due to their limited capacities. The tension surrounding air traffic control processes is exacerbated by ongoing weather-related disruptions, leading to delays that have both immediate and wider implications for travel efficiency and airline costs. O'Leary further sarcastically proposed that an external flight tracking service might be able to provide these crucial services effectively and cost-free, underscoring his frustration with the current system. He pointed out the staggering fact that one in three flights arriving into these busy airports has faced delays, risking holiday connections and passengers' valuable time. In anticipation of the incoming summer schedule, there is a growing sense of urgency to address these structural issues within the European air traffic management system to avoid escalating chaos in air travel for millions of passengers.