IATA Director General Willie Walsh has responded to Eurocontrol’s projection of an increase in delays this summer due to ongoing understaffing, particularly in air traffic control areas, without addressing the underlying issues.
ATC have been asking airlines to operate realistic schedules, while industry representatives argue that air navigation service providers are unfairly blaming airlines for inefficiencies.
Mr Walsh said there is a call for air navigation service providers to take responsibility for delivering a safe and cost-effective air navigation system, which they are perceived to be failing to achieve.
Air traffic charges in Europe have doubled since 2019, while the overall performance has worsened, leading to increasing delays and concerns about inadequate resources.
While airlines are collaborating with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to address supply chain issues, they are also considering potential legal actions as a last resort if problems persist.
Willie Walsh shared: “Eurocontrol has forecast this summer will see more delays than last summer. It’s ridiculous, Eurocontro trying to blame airlines for their failings. You can imagine if airlines put out press announcements saying our passengers don’t walk fast enough. Air traffic charges have doubled in Europe since 2019. We need to see the air navigation service providers face up to their responsibilities. We continue to evaluate whether there is any reason for us to look at potential legal opportunities.”
“We’re looking at an increase in delays that the industry will face because of inadequate preparation and inadequate resources being made available by air navigation service providers who think they know better than the airlines when it comes to what the capacity should be or how many flights are likely to be operated. Airlines are very open in terms of announcing their schedules. Everybody knows what the likely demand for air traffic in Europe is going to be. We need to see the air navigation service providers face up to their responsibilities to provide a safe, deficient and cost effective air navigation system.”
