Ryanair has faced significant flight disruptions today that could be set to continue due to a combination of thunderstorms in the UK and air traffic control (ATC) staff shortages across Europe.
The low-cost carrier issued warnings to passengers about potential delays and cancellations that are out of its control, particularly for flights to and from England.
A statement said: “Affected passengers will be notified and any passengers travelling to/from England on Friday 20 September should check their Ryanair app for the latest updates on their flight.
“We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers by these weather conditions, which are outside of Ryanair’s control and affect all airlines operating to/from England today Friday 20 September.”
Disruptions have taken place all summer
PA
Simultaneously, Ryanair grappled with broader European ATC issues, leading to delays for 10 per cent of its first wave departures today. This has been an ongoing issue throughout the summer.
The airline reported that 57 out of 570 aircraft in their first wave of departures were delayed because of these shortages. A Ryanair statement said: “These repeated flight delays due to ATC mismanagement are unacceptable.”
Ryanair apologised to its passengers for the “excessive flight delays” caused by European ATC staff shortages.
The airline claimed that despite flight volumes being five behind 2019 levels, ATC services continue to underperform.
It said: “ATC services, which have had the benefit of no French ATC strike disruption this summer, continue to underperform (despite flight volumes being five per cent behind 2019 levels) with repeated staff shortages.
“On Friday 20 September, 10 per cent of Ryanair’s first wave departures (57 of 570 aircrafts) were delayed due to ATC ‘staff shortages’. We apologise to our passengers for these repeated ATC flight delays which are deeply regrettable but beyond Ryanair’s control.
“We encourage passengers to visit atcruinedourholiday.com and demand that the EU Commission take urgent action to improve Europe’s ATC system.”
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A Ryanair spokesperson apologised
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This comes as holidaymakers were given a warning if travelling to Brazil amid various health risks.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office told travellers who take a trip to the country that they are at risk of catching Zika virus.
This can cause various unpleasant symptoms such as fever, rashes and red eyes, and holidaymakers are encouraged to keep on top of the latest vaccination recommendations.