Ryanair has once again turned its fire on Greece, calling for urgent action over persistent air traffic control problems and flight delays that intensify during the country’s peak tourism season.
The Irish low cost carrier has appealed to the European Commission to intervene and push through reforms to what it describes as Europe’s “problematic air traffic control system,” with Greece repeatedly singled out in the airline’s complaints.
Ryanair says the issue becomes particularly severe during the summer months, when Greece experiences a huge surge in international and domestic air traffic.
The latest complaint follows a technical malfunction in Crete on Tuesday that caused significant disruption to flight schedules and left passengers facing delays.
Ryanair demands immediate reforms
The airline has repeatedly raised concerns with European institutions over what it considers inadequate air traffic management across Europe, arguing that delays are damaging passengers, airlines and tourism.
Greece has been a particular focus of Ryanair’s criticism, especially during the summer season when airports across the country handle record or near record levels of traffic.
The airline is now urging the European Commission to take immediate steps to modernise and reform air traffic control systems, warning that recurring disruptions cannot continue to be treated as isolated incidents.
For Greece, the issue carries added significance. Aviation delays during the summer can quickly have a knock on effect across the country’s tourism network, disrupting connecting flights, ferry plans and holiday itineraries.
Ryanair’s latest intervention therefore puts renewed pressure on Greek authorities and European institutions to address the capacity and reliability of the air traffic control system before another peak travel season exposes the same problems.
