European airports are experiencing a busy summer as passenger numbers recover to pre-pandemic levels. However, wage talks between airline and airport staff are ongoing. Last year, Europe’s peak season was disrupted by cancellations, causing chaos at airports. This summer, Air Traffic control issues are expected to be a weak spot, according to Eurocontrol.
Eurocontrol has announced that one of its trade unions could potentially engage in industrial action in the Network Manager Operations Centre, which oversees European airspace. The union has not specified the dates for a Strike.
In Belgium, Ryanair pilots are planning to strike on July 15-16 to demand higher wages and better working conditions. The strike may affect around 140 flights from Charleroi airport, but the number of participating pilots and the extent of Flight cancellations remain uncertain.
At Britain’s Gatwick Airport, approximately 950 workers, including ground staff, baggage handlers, and check-in agents, will go on strike from July 28-August 1 and from August 4-8 due to a pay dispute.
EasyJet has already canceled 2% of its summer flight schedule due to concerns over air traffic control delays. This decision has affected the travel plans of 180,000 customers, with 1,700 flights, mostly from Gatwick, being canceled for the rest of July and August.
Birmingham Airport will face continuous strike action by around 100 security officers and terminal technicians starting from July 18. These strikes will significantly impact the airport’s security and terminal maintenance, leading to flight delays.
In France, repeated air traffic control strikes related to President Emmanuel Macron’s pension age plan have caused delays and limited flights, contributing to air space congestion in Europe. Ryanair has already canceled over 900 flights in June primarily due to these strikes.
Multiple unions in Italy have called for a nationwide airport staff strike on July 15. This strike is related to negotiations for a new collective contract. Air traffic controllers, baggage handlers, check-in personnel, Italian pilots of Vueling, and Malta Air pilots and flight attendants will participate in the strike.
ENAV, the Italian air traffic control company, has confirmed that there will be no strikes in the Italian air transport sector between July 27 and September 5 due to a summer exemption provided for in the industry regulations.
EasyJet has canceled 350 flights to and from Portugal ahead of a cabin staff strike scheduled for July 21-25. This will be the third strike by the SNPVAC union of civil aviation flight personnel this year.
Pilots at Iberia Regional Air Nostrum have been striking every Monday and Friday since February 27. As of July 14, Iberia has warned that some flight routes could be affected by the ongoing daily indefinite strike due to a pay dispute.
In conclusion, European airports are facing potential disruptions this summer due to various strikes and air traffic control issues. Passengers and airlines should stay informed about the latest developments and potential flight cancellations or delays.
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