Strikes by Europe's air traffic controllers could commence with just a five-day notice period and take place as early as this week, the Union Syndicale Bruxelles (USB), a trade union representing staff at Eurocontrol, the organization responsible for managing European airspace, said, following a statement that talks have broken down.
The news puts travellers in a state of uncertainty regarding the status of their summer flights.
As Open Jaw reported, up to 12,600 flights could be affected daily. Fridays and weekends are expected to be the most vulnerable periods for flight disruptions.
Eurocontrol, in response to the union's letter, has confirmed its receipt and stated that no specific dates for industrial action have been announced, emphasizing ongoing dialogue with the USB and other trade unions.
The organization said it remains hopeful for a positive outcome in resolving the issues.
Not an isolated incident
Various aviation workers' unions in different countries have either recently conducted strikes or planned industrial action, reports Reuters.
Here is a summary of recent developments:
- Ryanair pilots in Belgium are scheduled to strike on 15-16JUL, potentially impacting around 140 flights from Charleroi airport. Ryanair also had to cancel 400 flights in JUN due to a 36-hour strike in France.
- EasyJet has already canceled 1,700 flights for the rest of JUL and AUG, affecting 180,000 customers, due to concerns over air traffic control challenges. EasyJet's cabin crew in Portugal also plans to strike from 21-25JUL.
- Heathrow Airport security workers called off 31 days of strikes on 23JUN. Over 2,000 staff accepted an offer for a rise of between 15.5 per cent and 17.5 per cent.
- Birmingham Airport is set to experience continuous strike action from JUL 18 by security officers and terminal technicians.
- France has experienced multiple air traffic control strikes, resulting in flight delays and congestion across the country.
- Italy's air traffic control company ENAV has confirmed no strikes between 27JUL and 05SEPT due to a summer exemption.
- Pilots at Iberia Regional Air Nostrum in Spain, who have been striking since FEB, went on a daily indefinite strike from 06JUN.
- Air Europa pilots in Spain recently completed a two-week strike.
- The Swedish Transport Workers' Union withdrew a blockade by airport controllers after reaching a new surveillance and security agreement on 30JUN.
- Geneva Airport reached a deal with public service staff on 30JUN to end a strike over pay.
As strike action by European air traffic controllers looms, travellers are advised to stay informed about potential disruptions and monitor updates from their airlines and relevant authorities.
