Airlines
Europe Hit by First ATC Strikes of the Year
Air traffic control capacity shortages, staffing issues, and industrial action caused a sharp rise in 2018 flight delays.

A nationwide strike by Italy’s air traffic controllers is reinforcing calls by European airlines to speed up the reform of the bloc’s air traffic management system and put measures in place to ensure an improved continuity of service for passengers. “There is a clear increase in the frequency and duration of ATC strikes in Europe, with 30 days of strike in 2018 compared with 24 days in 2017,” said Airlines for Europe (A4E) managing director Thomas Reynaert. “This is a trend which cannot continue; we urge national and EU politicians to address the situation immediately. European aviation’s reputation is at stake.”