Flying throughout Europe might be trickier than usual this summer.
It is an unfortunate occurrence when political situations begin to affect travel. Unfortunately, this is the case for many airports across Europe at the moment. As a part of a national strike by public sector workers, many air traffic controllers are refusing to work. Naturally, the lack of individuals to fill this critical role makes flying difficult.
The French air traffic control strikes reportedly account for one-third of France’s flight delays. At the moment, both French and Italian airlines are encountering the challenges of these frequent strikes.
How to prepare for a possible travel meltdown.
Ryanair, a low-cost European airline, recently warned travelers to expect probable travel delays this summer. The airline fears that European airlines might see a travel “meltdown” in the near future. In May, Ryanair had to cancel over 1,000 flights. Other airlines are also feeling the heat of the national strike. EasyJet had to cancel 974 flights in May.
In a statement, Ryanair’s CEO Michael O'Leary said he is afraid that travelers, “will suffer flight cancellations, long delays or disruptions because of inadequate staffing in air control, particularly at weekends.” This potential for travel challenges is especially high for the coming months of July and August. If the riots ensue, airports across Europe could potentially face thousands more flight cancelations.
To prepare for possible travel disruptions, anyone planning to visit Europe over the next few months should purchase travel insurance. This will help you more easily alter your travel plans if you experience flight delays or cancellations. Also, check with your specific airline to see if they have issued any waivers. Occasionally airlines may offer travelers a chance to reschedule their canceled or delayed flight for free.
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