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Eurocontrol warns of air traffic delays in Europe
Eurocontrol is warning travelers and airlines to expect extended air traffic delays in Europe this week.
Eurocontrol says a mix of adverse weather, air traffic control (ATC) staffing shortages and strong seasonal demand is set to reduce both en-route and airport capacity across Western and Central Europe. The agency flagged the worst impacts at London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL), Frankfurt (FRA / EDDF), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG / LFPG) and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS / EHAM), urging airlines and passengers to prepare for longer wait times and potential diversions.
National air navigation service providers (ANSPs) are coordinating with Eurocontrol to manage flows and mitigate disruption, but capacity constraints are expected to persist through the week. Eurocontrol’s message is pragmatic: expect delays, check airline notifications, and build extra time into connections. Flight re-timings and ground delays are likely as controllers implement flow measures to keep traffic safe.
Air traffic delays in Europe: what to expect
Operationally, the combination of suboptimal weather and reduced controller staffing can force ATC units to cap arrivals and departures or apply longer spacing between aircraft. That reduces hourly throughput and cascades across the network — meaning delays at one hub quickly ripple to connecting flights across the continent. Eurocontrol recommends airlines adjust schedules where possible and prioritize critical connections.
- Practical tip: if you have a connection, assume air traffic delays in Europe could add several hours—rebook early and allow more transfer time.
- Check your flight status directly with the operator and monitor notifications from your airline before heading to the airport.
- For transits through busy hubs (LHR, FRA, CDG, AMS), arrive earlier for check-in and security and expect increased queuing.
Passengers should follow airline guidance and, where applicable, know their rights for delayed or cancelled flights under applicable national or EU regulations. Eurocontrol and ANSPs will continue adapting flow measures daily; travelers are advised to check official airline messages and airport feeds before departure for the latest information.
