Geneva — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released a report revealing that Air Traffic Control (ATC) delays in Europe have more than doubled over the last decade, causing significant disruption for passengers.

Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) delays in the region rose by 114% in the period 2015-2024. This is against a rise of only 6.7% in flight numbers over the same period. The analysis excluded delays caused by weather. Flight cancellations induced by ATC strikes were also not included in the analysis.

Capacity limitations and staff shortages account for the majority of delays, issues that have been known for some time but inadequately mitigated, especially in France and Germany. The Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) of France and Germany are responsible for more than 50% of all delays.

“We’re now seeing the consequences of Europe’s failure to get a grip on air traffic control. A small, expected improvement in 2025 from a very bad 2024 does not change the deterioration that we have seen over the last decade. Airlines and travelers were promised a Single European Sky that would cut delays and reduce fuel burn through more efficient navigation and routes. Instead, passengers have seen delays more than double. While Eurocrats debate ways to increase the burden of EU261 passenger compensation, the root cause of much of the delay suffered by travelers—air traffic control—escapes without action or censure. And Europe’s connectivity and competitiveness suffer from schedules that must accommodate ATC inefficiency. It is completely unacceptable,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Source: IATA