FLIGHTS this summer are set to experience the worst delays ever as countries across Europe battle air traffic control strikes, wildfires and high demand.
The delays are expected across nine countries in Europe including France, Germany, Greece and Spain.
Flight delays are expected across nine countries in Europe the summer, including France, Germany, Greece and Spain[/caption]
EU officials told the Financial Times that the air traffic control system was operating at capacity due to staff shortages and increased demand following the Covid-19 pandemic.
They added that last year was the worst summer yet for delays and cancellations and “this year will be very similar”.
Approximately 37,000 flights occur in Europe on the busiest days of the season – but this is the limit of what air traffic controllers can currently manage.
Strikes, such as those recently in France, have also made the situation worse.
Eurocontrol – the organisation responsible for air traffic control in Europe – said: “Last week was strongly impacted by air traffic control (ATC) industrial action between 2-5 July 2025, leading to severe disruption for passengers, airlines and airports.”
In total, there were 3,343 fewer flights to/from French airports than compared to the previous week – all of which were cancelled due to the strike.
Europe currently also has a reduced airspace due to the war in Ukraine.
The EU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas explained that this, paired with the shortage of controllers, “threatens to overburden the air network and disappoint passengers”.
As a result, he has claimed that airports are now more congested and “Europe cannot afford chaos in the skies”.
With a summer of further disruptions expected, The Sun’s head of travel Lisa Minot has advised what you should do if travelling this summer.
She said: “Whatever happens if it is [your flight] delayed or cancelled for reasons outside of the the airlines control, then unfortunately there is no compensation due.
“But the airline does have a duty of care to look after you.
“If your flight is cancelled and it is the airline’s fault … then you could be due compensation.
“It could be anything up to £520.”
Last month Ryanair also said that this summer would be the worst summer for flight delays and cancellations.
The airline revealed the worst air traffic control centres (ATCs) for delays and this included the UK as the fifth worst.
Ryanair said that the European Commission and European governments “have taken no action to fix their shoddy ATC services and ATC delays will now be even worse in summer 2025”.
Micheal O’Leary, the airline’s CEO, also said that if staff shortages and ATC issues are not sorted, there will be “record ATC flight delays this summer”.
Approximately 37,000 flights occur in Europe on the busiest days of the season – but this is the limit of what air traffic controllers can currently manage[/caption]
The airline’s ‘League of Delays’ revealed that France and Spain have been the most impacted so far this year, with 15,634 and 11,576 flights delayed respectively.
The airline has also claimed that 90 per cent of their flight cancellations during the French ATC strikes, could have been avoided if overflights over France were allowed to take place.
Many airlines are now calling on Brussels to complete the ‘Single European Sky‘ project which would allow airlines to fly the most direct route possible within the EU.
This would mean that airlines would not follow diversions via several points, but instead fly straight to a destination.
Last year, air traffic was up by five per cent compared to 2023, with over a third of flights delayed by more than 15minutes on arrival, according to Eurocontrol.
Overall, delays averaged around 21.4minutes per flight.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
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Strikes, such as those recently in France, have also made the situation worse[/caption]
