Eurocontrol union in Brussels issues warning of industrial action
Mainland Europe air traffic control managers plan summer strikes, potentially worsening holiday flight disruptions if French strikes persist. Union Syndicale Bruxelles (USB), one of the unions at Eurocontrol network manager operations centre, has issued a formal warning of strikes within the next six months without specifying dates. Eurocontrol and industry experts downplay the likelihood of extensive disruption despite earlier reports of one in three flights being at risk.
Nevertheless, airlines remain concerned about potential challenges with air traffic control during the summer season.
Eurocontrol, responsible for air traffic management in Europe, expressed optimism for a positive resolution through ongoing discussions with all trade unions. As no specific notice of industrial action has been received, the potential impact remains uncertain.
Industry analysts believe that any strikes at the network managers center in Brussels, rather than Eurocontrol’s air traffic control center in Maastricht, would be manageable. Andrew Charlton, a Geneva-based analyst, characterized a strike as more of an annoyance than a fundamental disruption. While the Brussels headquarters plays a crucial role in managing traffic flows and coordinating during strikes or capacity constraints, airspace closure is unlikely. In the event of a strike, controllers and airlines may need to collaborate further, but services would not be entirely halted.
A reliable source deemed the potential impacts exaggerated, expressing confidence that a resolution would likely be reached.
Despite ongoing discussions and optimism for a resolution, airlines remain apprehensive about the potential consequences of air traffic controller strikes across Europe. Eurocontrol has raised concerns about increased pressure on airspace capacity during the summer and has called for the recruitment of more controllers.
Following last summer’s airport labor shortages, air traffic control is now regarded as the primary source of potential disruption.
Gatwick’s CEO, Stewart Wingate, expressed concerns about air traffic control strikes being the airport’s primary challenge this summer. Strikes in France, which often occur with little notice, can result in operational difficulties for Gatwick.
Wingate emphasized that the Mediterranean region is a popular destination during this time of year, and flying through France is the most efficient route to reach those destinations. Therefore, if disruptions occur due to industrial action in France, schedule delays are likely to affect flights throughout the day.
Ryanair reported canceling over 900 flights across Europe last month, equivalent to approximately 1% of its total operations, due to air traffic control strikes in France. Controllers in France have already taken 60 days of action this year.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), a global airlines body, has called on the European Union (EU) to advocate for changes that would allow flights over France during strikes, rather than allowing national disputes to impact other international travel.
