Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has warned that British holidaymakers could face significant travel disruption this summer due to air traffic control (ATC) strikes and staffing shortages across Europe. In an interview with The Independent, O'Leary described the upcoming summer schedule as potentially a 'mess'.
O'Leary predicted that French air traffic controllers would begin striking around May or June, leading to staff shortages on weekends. He criticised ATC providers for not being fully staffed and called on the European Union to impose fines for failing to carry out their duties. The CEO emphasised that early morning flights are crucial for maintaining smooth operations throughout the day.
French ATC strikes have historically caused widespread disruption. In July 2025, strikes on July 3 and 4 led to over 1,000 cancellations and more than 3,000 delays, affecting over one million passengers. A nationwide strike on January 9 caused over 900 cancellations. Due to France's central location, over 60% of Western European flights either depart from, land in, or pass through French airspace, meaning strikes can affect flights across multiple countries.
Last winter, Ryanair cut 25 routes to France, including services to Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg. The airline's chief commercial officer, Jason McGuinness, hinted at further cuts, stating that Ryanair would leave French regional airports in the summer of 2026. No official details have been released on which additional airports will be affected.
Brits planning to travel to Europe this summer are advised to monitor flight updates closely, expect possible delays, and allow extra time for connecting flights.
