Ryanair, Europe’s leading airline, has called on the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to take urgent action to reform air traffic control services in the region. This plea comes after the airline was forced to cancel one hundred seventy flights due to a strike by French air traffic controllers, affecting over thirty thousand passengers. The strike coincides with the beginning of the European summer holiday period, one of the busiest travel times of the year.

The cancellations not only impacted flights to and from France but also affected many overflights through French airspace. Ryanair points out that these disruptions occur despite many affected passengers not flying to or from France, highlighting the necessary reforms in air traffic management. The airline argues that EU skies should not be repeatedly closed due to French air traffic control strikes.

Michael O’Leary, Chief Executive of Ryanair, expressed his frustration, stating that it is unacceptable for passengers to experience delays or cancellations due to yet another French air traffic control strike. He described the situation as unfair to families travelling for their holidays and reiterated Ryanair’s long-standing campaign for effective EU air traffic control reform.

Ryanair has urged passengers to voice their concerns through their ‘Air Traffic Control Ruined Your Flight’ webpage, demanding urgent reforms to avoid further disruptions this summer. Proposed reforms include ensuring full staffing of air traffic control services during peak times and protecting overflights during national strikes, which could potentially eliminate the majority of ATC delays and cancellations.