Airline executives have asserted that addressing air traffic bottlenecks would significantly reduce flight delays and greenhouse gas emissions from European air travel, following an announcement that the summer of 2024 saw the worst record for traffic hold ups in recent history. The soon-to-be CEO of British airline, EasyJet, Kenton Jarvis, highlighted that flight numbers increased by 6% this summer, however, air traffic delays rose by a staggering 80%.
Jarvis revealed that the worst day saw a total of 6,300 hours of delays, a figure he insisted could not be repeated in the following year. He attributed these delays to inadequate air space and staffing issues within national air navigation organisations. According to an EasyJet-sponsored study, Jarvis claimed that reformation in air traffic control standards across Europe has the potential to reduce emissions by an impressive 10%.
Jarvis stated that Airlines for Europe, an industry group, has urged the incoming European Commission not to implement cost-increasing measures designed to cut carbon emissions before addressing the more pressing issue of overhauling air traffic control.
Airlines for Europe, led by CEO of Ryanair, Michael O’Leary, has requested that the future commission aim to bolster air travel competitiveness, improve the rights of passengers, finish the single market and reform air traffic control within the union, ahead of their office commencement in 2029. Despite previously benefiting from the deregulation of air travel, O’Leary stated that the EU has lost its momentum over the past five years.
O’Leary blamed a number of factors for this, including excessive green taxes, rigorous regulations such as EU 261, and a total failure to revamp air traffic control. He also noted that airlines were bearing the financial burden of compensating passengers for delays resulting from issues with air traffic control, including strikes and staffing shortfalls. O’Leary admitted to losing faith in the Single European Sky, which was an initiative designed to unite air traffic control across the EU. He argued however, that if the EU had ensured air traffic control authorities were fully staffed each morning and overflights were safeguarded during national strikes, 90% of this summer’s delays could have been prevented.
Luis Gallego, the CEO of International Airlines Group, which includes British Airways and Aer Lingus, called upon the commission to elevate production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and increase its allowances. He indicated that SAF’s cost is two to three folds of regular fuel, which can pose financial difficulties for the airline industry.
On a different note, concerns regarding air traffic control delays were raised, which reportedly account for 90% of the airlines’ delay rate. The proposal suggested was for the airlines to transfer these costs, ensuring that national air navigation bodies handle these issues more efficiently.
At the same time, Ryanair’s plans for expansion in the summer of 2025 may be put on hold due to late deliveries of new aircraft from Boeing. Ryanair had expected to receive 20 new jets from the U.S. constructor this autumn; however, only four arrivals have transpired due to a strike action by Boeing workers.
Outlining the obstacles, Mr. O’Leary of Ryanair envisaged receiving the remaining 16 planes next year and voiced further concerns about receiving 30 additional aircraft between March and June 2025 from Boeing. He stated that if they received between 10 and 20, it would be a success. Consequently, if this proves insurmountable, Ryanair may reconsider its 2025 growth plan. We await more details when the half-year results are announced next month.