Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary Predicts 'Messy' Summer Travel Due to European ATC Strikes

The head of Ryanair, Michael O'Leary, has issued a strong warning. He predicts a "messy" summer travel chaos across Europe in 2026. This disruption is due to expected European air traffic control (ATC) strikes and staff shortages.

The Threat of ATC Disruption

O'Leary's comments follow an interview with The Independent. He stated that French ATC strikes are likely to start in May or June. He also expects controllers to be absent on summer weekends. O'Leary dismissed official "capacity restrictions" as mere ATC staff shortages. He criticized Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) for being understaffed.

O'Leary urged the European Commission to fine these providers. He believes fines are necessary for failing to perform their jobs. Ensuring early morning flights run smoothly is key, he added. This steady start prevents a ripple effect of delays all day.

Impact of French Airspace

French ATC industrial action has a major network impact. France's central location disrupts flights across the continent. Disruptions affect flights landing, taking off, or simply overflying France. According to Eurocontrol data, over 60 per cent of Western European flights use French airspace. When staffing is low, large airspace areas become unavailable. This forces cancellations and delays in multiple countries.

Past strikes show the severe consequences of this issue. In July 2025, a two-day French strike affected over one million passengers. It caused 1,422 cancellations and 3,713 delays each day across Europe. Ryanair was the airline group most affected by these delays. O'Leary has long called for minimum service agreements to protect overflights. This protection is already in place in countries like Italy and Spain.

Network Realignment and Route Cuts

Ryanair is responding to rising costs and operational risks. Last winter, the airline cut 25 routes to France, including services to Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg. These cuts were partly due to higher airline taxes in France.

Chief Commercial Officer Jason McGuinness confirmed future cuts. He hinted that Ryanair will leave French regional airports in the summer of 2026. This is part of a strategy to move capacity to lower-cost markets.

Key Takeaways for Passengers

Travelers must monitor flight updates closely this summer. Passengers should expect possible delays and allow extra time for connecting flights. ATC capacity/staffing was the top cause of en-route delays in late 2025. This trend highlights a systemic issue beyond industrial action alone. Stakeholders must address these challenges for a smoother summer season.

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