EU Warns of Growing Flight Disruptions in 2025, Air Traffic Control Shortages Across Major Airports: Here’s What You Need To Know Now

Published on August 7, 2025

Travelers in Europe are expecting major flight disruptions during the summer of 2025. This comes in light of new announcements made by the European Union which cites understaffing in airports and obsolete methods of air traffic management as the core issues. Citing understaffing as the main reason for the airports issues, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the EU Commissioner for Transport, blames the lack of modernization of the air traffic control systems for the ongoing issues in the industry.

These disruptions are not just an inconvenience; they can have a serious impact on travelers and tourism, especially in the busiest airspaces of Europe.

Air Traffic Control Shortages Threaten 2025 Summer Travel

According to Tzitzikostas, some air navigation service providers are falling behind in recruiting air traffic controllers. These shortages are putting a heavy strain on airport operations across the EU. The lack of sufficient staff is particularly affecting area control centers, which manage highly congested airspaces.

Tzitzikostas explained that these gaps in staffing and technology are creating serious capacity shortages, especially during peak travel times. European airports are already facing high levels of congestion, making it difficult to manage the number of flights needed for the busy summer months.

The Impact of 2024 Flight Disruptions on 2025

The EU Commissioner pointed out that 2024 already saw the highest number of flight delays in 25 years. Almost half of all flights were delayed, setting a worrying precedent for 2025 travel plans.

Tzitzikostas admitted that the situation for summer 2025 is likely to be even worse. With airports still struggling to modernize systems and manage air traffic controllers, airlines and travelers should prepare for further delays and cancellations.

European Aviation Network Faces Growing Congestion

The congestion is most prominent in the busiest routes, and more expansive European regions are experiencing delays within subsets. Tzitzikostas corroborates the undersupply in air traffic controllers is negatively influencing the management of flight schedules in the European airports.

Increased congestion shows significant landing and takeoff delays, especially in regions spanning from London to Paris and even Rome. In these areas, London and Paris are predicted to be the most impacted. While the EU is concentrating on strategic improvements for the long run, nothing can be offered for the upcoming summer season in 2025.

EU’s Response: Monitoring and Coordination

In light of the air traffic control crisis, the EU has promised to provide assistance. The European Commission will continue to monitor and coordinate operational activities to ensure the best possible performance of the aviation management network.

However, Tzitzikostas made it clear that these measures are focused on long-term solutions, not immediate relief for summer 2025 travelers. He emphasized the importance of air navigation service providers meeting the required capacity-enhancement standards laid out in their performance plans.

Travelers Advised to Prepare for 2025 Holiday Disruptions

Those looking to travel on a flight in 2025 should take note of possible interruptions. Allocating additional time to check in, monitoring the status of the flight, and being ready to change schedules on a whim are all necessary. Having a backup plan ready in the case of a long wait or a cancellation is also important.

These problems, despite the EU aiming to solve them, will greatly impact tourism as well as the aviation industry during the summer. Being a leisure, holiday, or business traveler, accepting the reality of waiting and being delayed will be the key to navigate travel interruptions.

Addressing the Root Causes of Flight Disruptions

The EU has expressed willingness to assist with the aviation network issues, but at this point, there are no easy solutions to be implemented by 2025. Airports and air navigation services must do more to safeguard against repeat disruptions. Sadly, these answers are only conceptual for now, and travelers will need to brace themselves for trying travel this season.

As the EU focuses on improving air traffic management for future years, it’s evident that 2025 summer travel will be severely affected by these ongoing shortages and delays. Travelers should stay informed and plan accordingly to minimize the impact of these inevitable disruptions.