Ryanair has sharply criticized Greece and the European Commission over repeated failures in the country’s air traffic control system, calling for urgent reforms after an equipment failure caused widespread disruption in Greek airspace.
The Irish airline said a malfunction in Greece’s air traffic control (ATC) equipment on Tuesday, September 1, delayed 37 Ryanair flights and affected nearly 7,000 passengers, with delays reaching up to three hours.
Ryanair described the incident as the fourth major failure of Greece’s ATC system in the past 12 months.
Ryanair calls for urgent reform
In a statement Wednesday, Ryanair called on the European Commission to urgently reform what it described as Europe’s “problematic” air traffic control system.
The airline said the latest failure once again highlighted what it considers the Greek government’s failure to adequately manage and fund the country’s ATC infrastructure.
Passengers and airlines continue to pay increasingly high air traffic control charges while, according to Ryanair, receiving a service that is consistently deteriorating.
The airline said it was unacceptable for passengers traveling to and from one of Europe’s busiest tourist destinations to continue experiencing repeated disruptions because Greek ATC systems are outdated, underfunded and prone to failures.
Ryanair also said the situation had become so problematic that the aviation industry recently had to provide funding through donations to replace essential air traffic control equipment that should normally have been financed by the Greek state.
Criticism of the European Commission
Ryanair also turned its criticism toward the European Commission, arguing that it has tolerated repeated failures in air traffic control systems across Europe despite regularly emphasizing competitiveness and efficiency.
The airline said that if European airports, airlines or passengers performed as poorly, there would be immediate consequences. Instead, it argued, air traffic control service providers continue to avoid accountability while passengers bear the cost.
Ryanair called on the European Commission to move beyond issuing statements and implement substantive reforms.
“European passengers deserve a modern air traffic control service that is adequately staffed and adequately funded,” the airline said.
37 flights delayed
Ryanair Chief Operations Officer Neal McMahon said Tuesday’s failure was another “unacceptable and preventable” disruption to ATC operations.
“Yesterday’s failure in the Greek air traffic control system caused delays of up to three hours to 37 Ryanair flights and nearly 7,000 of our passengers,” McMahon said.
Ryanair is calling on the European Commission to intervene urgently, reform Europe’s air traffic control system and hold those responsible for its operation accountable.
