Brits looking for a dose of autumn sun are set to be hit with travel turmoil as they face a raft of issues threatening their flights to favoured European getaways.
In October holidaymakers including families taking advantage of the October half term and those without children embark on trips cheaper than the school holidays; however, this year carries a grim forecast.
An onslaught of impending problems has been reported, likely to spark delays and widespread cancellations. In an announcement Brussels Airlines revealed is axing most of its journeys slated for October 1st, in response to a looming national strike by Belgian security personnel.
Brussels Airport, the nation’s primary hub for air travel, advised airlines to reassess their flight agendas, due to issues with security checks during the strike. The airport authorities expect a significant turnout of security staff joining the industrial action, warning of considerable operational disruptions on that date.
A representative for Brussels Airlines warned that 80% of their 203 services will be grounded. Those booked to fly will not be left in the lurch, as alternative travel options are being put forward, including rebooked flights for earlier or later dates, or rerouting on the same day via another Lufthansa Group hub.
In their statement, the airport’s bosses shed light on the collective decision: “To avoid long waiting times at the security screening, airlines have decided in consultation with Brussels airport to cancel or reschedule a large number of departing flights on 1 October. The airlines will inform the passengers of the impacted flights directly.”
A Brussels Airlines spokesperson highlighted impending travel chaos, stating: “A national manifestation organised by the unions of security workers in Belgium will take place on October 1. Consequently, capacity at the security screenings at Brussels airport will be reduced.”
“The airport has requested all the airlines to review their schedules accordingly. Brussels Airlines has therefore taken the difficult decision to cancel most of its flights on 1 October. Passengers whose flight is cancelled will be contacted by Brussels Airlines. The airline will offer an alternative flight schedule and will do its utmost to get everyone on their destination with the least possible delay. This can be a flight on an earlier departure date, a later date or the same day via another hub of Lufthansa Group.”
Travel hurdles continue to mount for air passengers this October as reported by Opsgroup. The international pilots’ and aviation professionals’ group in its latest bulletin points out the apparent issues.
Meanwhile, over at Majorca (Palma) Airport, Jet2 warns customers of ongoing maintenance work but assures that customer service representatives will tackle any related disruptions head-on.
One of Madrid’s four runways will soon be out of action for six weeks, from 2 October to 12 November, resulting in a capacity reduction of approximately 25 per cent. Meanwhile, Mumbai airport will be entirely shut down from 11am to 5pm local time on 17 October for pre-monsoon season runway maintenance.
Singapore Airport will also experience brief closures on 8 and 16 October due to the annual military exercise Bersama Lima.
Ryanair is voicing daily complaints about delays caused by European Air Traffic Control staff shortages, a problem expected to persist into October.
On Sept 26, Ryanair announced that “16% of Ryanair’s first wave departures (91 of 581 aircraft) were delayed due to ATC ‘staff shortages’. These repeated flight delays due to ATC mismanagement are unacceptable.”
“We apologise to our passengers for these repeated ATC flight delays which are deeply regrettable but beyond Ryanair’s control. We encourage passengers to visit atcruinedourholiday.com and demand that the EU Commission take urgent action to improve Europe’s ATC system.”
