A British airport is experiencing more flight delays than other major European airports due to air traffic control (ATC) restrictions, according to a major travel group. Gatwick airport has been identified as worst-hit by the lack of airspace management, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It cited data from Eurocontrol, the organisation responsible for managing European airspace, which showed severe impacts on operations at the West Sussex airport, Britain's second-busiest.
The recent cancellation of 1,700 summer flights by EasyJet, mostly from Gatwick, was a response to what the airline described as "unprecedented" ATC restrictions. The limitations on flight numbers across Europe are a result of strikes, staff shortages, and airspace closures related to the war in Ukraine.
Willie Walsh, the IATA's director-general, described the current ATC environment as "challenging" for airlines. Despite their efforts to ensure sufficient resources to maintain on-time performance, the lack of ATC resources is hindering their ability to do so. He emphasised that while some areas of ATC performance have improved compared to 2022, the industry is still significantly behind 2019 levels.
Among the 31 major airports reported by Eurocontrol, Gatwick is now the worst-performing airport, ranking at number 106 out of 110 airports covered by the data set. The airport's performance is also affected by local ATC resource issues. Walsh expressed disappointment that politicians, who were quick to criticise airlines last year, have remained silent about the disruption caused by government-controlled or regulated ATC providers.
Walsh called for politicians to be held accountable for the economic and environmental costs resulting from poor ATC performance, urging them to make better decisions. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining essential ATC services during industrial action while respecting workers' rights.
ATC strikes in France have frequently led to airspace closures, further exacerbating the situation. A spokesperson for Gatwick, the UK's second-busiest airport, explained that flights at the airport are increasingly being regulated during peak times due to the knock-on effects of ATC restrictions across Europe. These restrictions, which are beyond the airport's control, are implemented to manage and smooth out the flow of aircraft affected by disrupted airspace across the continent.
Multiple factors contribute to airspace restrictions in Europe, including industrial action, staff shortages, the war in Ukraine, and adverse weather conditions. Gatwick, with its high number of flights to Europe, is disproportionately impacted by disruptions on the continent. The airport is working closely with its airline partners to minimise disruption and apologises to any passengers inconvenienced by the situation.
In October last year, the provision of ATC services at Gatwick Airport was taken over by Nats. The organisation has been approached for comment on the current situation.
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