Ryanair is once again targeting European governments and the European Commission, claiming that mismanagement and staff shortages in air traffic control (ATC) are to blame for mass delays and flight cancellations.
According to a statement issued by the company, more than 21 million Ryanair passengers have been affected by delays this year. The company published its August “delay league”, where France, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom and Greece emerge as the worst countries in terms of their ATC performance.
Ryanair’s arguments
Ryanair claims that staff shortages and poor management in ATC are the main cause of the problems. He compares the failed services in the above countries with those in Bulgaria, Denmark, Slovakia, the Netherlands and Belgium, which the company says are operating efficiently.
“Unfathomable mismanagement and staff shortages” in France, Spain, Germany, the UK and Greece are causing “avoidable delays,” said Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary. He argues that state-run ATC monopolies have no incentive to improve their services because they do not care about passengers or delays.
The appeal to passengers
Ryanair is urging passengers to visit its website titled “Air Traffic Control Ruined Your Flight” and press the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and their countries’ transport ministers to take immediate action to fully staff ATC services. The company estimates that this will eliminate 90% of delays.
