Ryanair called on EU President, Ursula von “Derlayed-Again” to urgently reform the EU’s broken ATC services or quit. This comes as Ryanair released its September “ATC Delays League”, showing that France, Spain, Germany, the UK, and Greece are the worst ATCs for delays/cancellations because their Govts refuse to ensure their ATC services are properly staffed and managed.
Data show that from January 1 to September 29, 2025, over 30 million passengers experienced delays due to staff shortages and mismanagement at the national ATC. For example, France recorded 57,109 flight delays that affected more than 10.2 million passengers, while Greece had 6,738 flights with delays and more than 1.2 million passengers affected.
There is no excuse for these worst ATC delays when Bulgaria, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark are delivering efficient ATC services (without mismanagement or staff shortages) and are responsible for the fewest ATC delays/cancellations in Europe this year as a result.
Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said: “It is inexcusable that Europe’s worst performing ATCs in France, Spain, Germany, the UK, and Greece continue to inflict so many avoidable flight delays/cancellations on millions of Ryanair passengers. EU airlines have already offered the solution to these avoidable ATC delays/cancellations; (1) mandate that national ATC services are fully staffed for the first wave of morning flights or face fines, and (2) the EU Comm must act to protect overflights during national ATC strikes. Yet, EU President Ursula von “Derlayed-Again” sits in Brussels doing nothing to protect EU passengers or the Single Market for air travel. EU ATC needs reform. If Ursula von “Derlayed-Again” won’t deliver it, then she should step aside and let someone competent do her job.”
Ryanair is calling on EU passengers and demand from Ursula von “Derlayed-Again” taking urgent action to reform the EU’s broken ATC, by (1) mandating that national ATC services are fully staffed for the first wave of morning flights or face fines, and (2) protecting overflights (and the Single Market) during national ATC strikes.
