Ryanair calls for urgent changes after ‘shambolic’ delays

WorldTravel
22 Aug 2025 • 7:34 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Ryanair has called for an urgent reform of Europe's air traffic control (ATC) system due to widespread flight delays.
  • The airline claims over 900,000 Ryanair passengers on more than 5,000 flights have been unfairly delayed in 2025 due to Greek ATC mismanagement and staff shortages.
  • A recent equipment failure at Athens' ATC centre on Wednesday, 20 August, specifically delayed 12 Ryanair flights, affecting over 2,000 passengers.
  • Between 1 January and 20 August, Greece was identified as the fifth-worst-performing ATC service in Europe for delays.
  • The Greek Air Traffic Controllers' Association has confirmed that staffing shortages and equipment problems are significant contributors to the ongoing delays.