European ATC-related delays double over the past decade

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported that air traffic control (ATC) delays have doubled over the past decade.

IATA stated that its data for air traffic flow management delays showed a 114% rise over the 2015–24 period, causing significant disruption to passengers. This is despite flight numbers rising only 6.7% over the same period.

The Association added that capacity limitations and staff shortages accounted for the majority of these delays, and that while these issues had been known about for some time, they were “inadequately mitigated”. IATA reported that over 50% of all delays were caused by the air navigation service providers (ANSPs) of France and Germany.

It also noted that the analysis excluded all delays caused by weather, as well as cancellations caused by ATC strikes.

“We’re now seeing the consequences of Europe’s failure to get a grip on air traffic control,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “A small, expected improvement in 2025 from a very bad 2024 does not change the deterioration that we have seen over the last decade.”

Referring to the European Union (EU) regulation entitling air passengers to compensation in the event of delays or cancellations, he added: “While Eurocrats debate ways to increase the burden of EU261 passenger compensation, the root cause of much of the delay suffered by travellers – air traffic control – escapes without action or censure. And Europe’s connectivity and competitiveness suffer from schedules that must accommodate ATC inefficiency.”