UK Joins France, Germany, Spain, and Italy in Experiencing Alarming Rise in Air Traffic Control Delays, With Disruptions More Than Doubling Over the Past 10 Years

Published on December 10, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released a detailed report revealing alarming statistics about Air Traffic Control (ATC) delays across Europe. The report highlights that delays caused by Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) in major European countries, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy, have more than doubled over the past decade. This surge in delays, from 14.2 million minutes in 2015 to 30.4 million minutes in 2024, is creating a significant strain on the European aviation industry.

The rise in delays—an increase of 114% from 2015 to 2024—comes at a time when the number of flights in Europe has only risen by 6.7%. This imbalance raises questions about the efficiency of European air traffic management systems, especially in light of the fact that delays related to weather conditions have been excluded from the analysis. The report also notes that industrial actions, such as strikes, have not been accounted for in the data presented.

A significant proportion of the delays are attributed to capacity limitations and staff shortages in the air traffic control systems of countries like France and Germany. Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) in these countries are primarily responsible for over half of all ATC-related delays in Europe. The report paints a worrying picture of the increasing inefficiencies in managing air traffic, which are not being sufficiently addressed despite long-standing concerns.

Who is Affected?

The rising ATC delays are not just an inconvenience for airlines; they are impacting millions of passengers across Europe. In total, 7.2 million flights were delayed between 2015 and October 2025. While most delays were short (under 30 minutes), a considerable number of flights were delayed by at least 30 minutes, further disrupting passengers’ schedules. The summer months, particularly July and August, saw the highest percentage of delays, with 38% of the total delay minutes occurring during this period.

As these delays grow, passengers are bearing the brunt of the inefficiency. Airlines operating in these regions are grappling with the consequences, including longer turnaround times, reduced flight schedules, and an increase in operational costs. The delays affect not just the airlines, but also the overall competitiveness of European aviation. With schedules increasingly hampered by ATC inefficiencies, Europe’s connectivity is suffering, making it harder for airlines to maintain reliable and timely service.

What is Causing These Delays?

The primary reasons for the surge in ATC delays are staffing issues and capacity limitations within the air traffic control systems of European countries. In particular, France and Germany, which oversee significant portions of European airspace, have struggled to meet the demands of the growing number of flights. Staffing-related delays have risen dramatically since 2015, with a staggering 201.7% increase. While the issue of staffing shortages is not new, there has been little progress in addressing it at a systemic level. The inefficiencies have become even more evident as strikes have also become more common, contributing to further delays.

In fact, industrial action accounted for 8.8% of all ATC-related delays during this period. The strikes have exacerbated the problem, leading to additional disruptions for travelers. Over the past decade, an estimated 9.8 million minutes of delays were attributed to ATC strikes, including those that occurred during the pandemic when air traffic was at an all-time low.

When Will It Improve?

The report acknowledges that some improvements may be seen in 2025, but they are unlikely to resolve the deeper structural issues causing delays. Although a modest reduction in delays is expected, the progress will not be enough to undo the decade-long deterioration in air traffic management. Europe’s promise of a Single European Sky, which was initially envisioned as a means of reducing delays and improving air traffic efficiency, has not yet been fully realized.

The failure to address the underlying issues in ATC systems means that the problem may continue to persist well into the future. This is especially concerning for passengers, who are likely to face continued disruptions during peak travel seasons. Airlines are also facing mounting pressure to accommodate the delays, which could lead to higher costs for travelers in the form of increased ticket prices or reduced service options.

Why Hasn’t More Been Done?

Despite the growing number of delays, there has been a lack of significant action to address the root causes. Efforts to improve air traffic control systems in Europe have been slow, and while regulatory bodies and air navigation service providers have made incremental efforts to improve staffing levels and capacity, the progress has been insufficient.

Moreover, there is a growing sense of frustration among stakeholders as Europe’s policymakers continue to focus on issues like increasing passenger compensation (via EU261) rather than tackling the systemic failures within the air traffic control system itself. As the aviation industry continues to face operational difficulties, it remains to be seen when the European Union will take meaningful action to address these issues and restore efficiency to the skies.

How Can Passengers Expect to Be Affected?

The ongoing ATC delays mean that travelers across France, Germany, the UK, Spain, and Italy should prepare for disruptions, especially during peak periods. While airlines are working to mitigate the impact of delays, it is clear that without substantial improvements in air traffic management, passengers will continue to experience longer wait times, increased cancellations, and uncertainty around flight schedules.

For those planning to travel in the coming years, it is crucial to stay informed about potential delays and disruptions. As the situation evolves, further updates on the state of air traffic management in Europe are expected to be released by the IATA in 2025, offering a clearer picture of what passengers can expect in the future.

Conclusion

Europe’s air traffic control delays have doubled over the past decade, with France, Germany, the UK, Spain, and Italy facing the brunt of the disruption. The inefficiencies in staffing and capacity are the primary drivers of these delays, which are affecting millions of passengers each year. Without significant reforms in the air traffic management system, travelers are likely to continue facing disruptions well into the future.