A significant number of European vacationers may find their flight schedules upended this season, as air navigation staff plan for numerous major strikes.
The walkouts by employees at the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation, or Eurocontrol, could potentially disrupt about 12,600 flights daily, as reported by The Times. The dates for these strikes might be disclosed as soon as the coming Monday.
Eurocontrol plays a vital role in managing the airspace across Europe. All pilots who are flying into or traversing European airspace are required to submit their flight plans to this organization to ensure efficient scheduling and prevent duplication of call signs.
Related: How to navigate through airport chaos: Suggestions for those traveling to Europe this summer
Throughout July and August, the organization is set to manage an estimated 33,000 to 34,000 flights daily — marking a 7% rise compared to the same timeframe in 2022.
Preliminary data suggests that nearly a third of all daily European flights, around 12,600, could experience disruption during the UK's peak summer holiday travel period if the proposed strikes proceed.
“A massive strike could cause delays for 20 to 30 per cent of flights,” a source informed The Times. “The numbers are quite staggering.”
Eurocontrol employees are planning these strikes as a response to grievances over salary and employee roster management. Among the demands from the workers is the immediate recruitment of an additional 20 controllers.
