Holidaymakers Face Worst Air Traffic Control Issues in 25 Years

30 Million UK Passengers Set for Summer Delays

By Flight Expert Mr Plane Guy

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my travel blog and allows me to continue creating useful content. Thank you for your support!

Get ready, holidaymakers summer 2025 is shaping up to be the worst season for air traffic control (ATC) delays in 25 years! If you thought last summer’s disruptions were bad, brace yourself industry insiders are warning that EasyJet delays and cancellations, Ryanair flight cancellations, TUI flight delays, and BA flight delays will be even more frequent this year.

With around 90 million passengers expected to fly in and out of the UK between June and September, at least 30 million are likely to face delays of 15 minutes or more. So, whether you’re jetting off for a beach getaway or a city escape, be prepared for long waits, missed connections, and unexpected changes to your travel plans.

Why Are Flight Delays Getting Worse?

Flight delays happen for all sorts of reasons, bad weather, technical issues, congestion, and, of course, air traffic control restrictions. But one of the biggest issues this summer? A major shortage of air traffic controllers across Europe. According to a new Eurocontrol report, ATC delays have increased by 50% in the past five years, with key airspace hubs like Karlsruhe, Budapest, Marseille, Zagreb, and Reims causing the most disruption.

WOW

This Travel Money Card

Airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair, and TUI are struggling to cope with these delays, often leaving passengers stranded at airports with little information. The worst part? Some airlines will try to avoid paying delay compensation or any other form of reimbursement by blaming delays on "extraordinary circumstances" even when staff shortages or airlines operational faults and inefficiencies are the real reason.

Did you know you can claim up to £520 in the UK per person for delayed or cancelled flights?

Check if you can make a claim Here

How Bad Will It Get?

1 in 3 flights is expected to be delayed this summer.
Heathrow and Gatwick have some of the worst arrival delays in Europe.
France’s ATC issues are causing chaos, with 20-25% fewer controllers than needed.
Airlines are paying higher fees for ATC services, but getting worse service in return.
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, warns of "record delays" this summer, especially on weekends.

What to Do If Your Flight Is Delayed or Cancelled

I used to work as part of a team managing flight delays at a London airport, so trust me when I say delays are just part of flying. Even on a good day, around 30% of flights will be late. But knowing what to do when your EasyJet flight is cancelled or your TUI flight is delayed can save you time, stress, and even money!

My 3 Point Flight Delay Action Plan

1. Take Receipts

Screenshot the departure board and save all delay notifications.
Keep receipts for food, drinks, or any expenses incurred due to the delay.
Make a note of what the airline staff tell you about the delay.

2. Be Prepared

Bring snacks, chargers, and extra medication if needed.
If travelling with kids, pack extra activities, nappies, and blankets.
Have a backup plan in case you miss your connection or need an alternative flight.

3. Know Your Rights

If your flight is delayed over 3 hours, you may be entitled to compensation.
Compensation amounts range up to £520 per person.
If your EasyJet flight is cancelled or your Ryanair flight cancellation disrupts your plans, they must offer you a rebooking or refund.

How to Claim Compensation for a Delayed or Cancelled Flight

Eligibility Checklist

✅ Your flight was delayed over 3 hours or cancelled.

✅ The delay/cancellation was within the airline's control (not due to weather).

✅ Your flight departed from or arrived in the UK/EU.

Steps to Claim

Gather your evidence, boarding passes, delay screenshots, and expense receipts.
Submit a claim through the airline’s website.

If the airline refuses compensation, consider using a claims service like AirHelp.

Check if you can make a claim Here

Avoiding Delays & Getting the Best Travel Experience

Tips to Reduce the Risk of Flight Delays

Book early morning flights First departures of the day are least likely to be delayed.
Fly direct whenever possible to avoid missed connections.
Check-in early, airlines sometimes overbook flights, and late check-ins are most likely to be bumped.

Which Airlines Have the Worst Delays?

A recent Which? study ranked airlines by average delay times:

Wizz Air: 46 minutes 18 seconds
TUI: 40 minutes 18 seconds
British Airways: 23 minutes
Vueling: 22 minutes 12 seconds

If you’re flying with one of these airlines this summer, be prepared for possible delays!

What About Travel Insurance for Flight Disruptions?

If you want to ensure peace of mind, consider AirHelp Plus, which offers disruption coverage starting at just £2.92 per month.

AirHelp Plus Plans:

Smart Plan (£34.99/year) - Covers 3 trips, €100 for delays, lounge access.
Pro Plan (£84.99/year) - Covers 9 trips, €100 for delays, lost baggage reimbursement.

Ready for take off : Be Prepared & Know Your Rights

Delays and cancellations will be common this summer, but with the right information, you can stay in control of your journey. Save this guide, stay informed, and remember, if your flight is delayed, you might be entitled to compensation!

Have you experienced a delayed or cancelled flight? Share your experience in the comments, and I’ll help guide you through the compensation process. Safe travels!

Do you love an airport lounge? Then I have the offer just for you!

Exclusive Offer: I was kindly given a 30% off code for a Priority Pass! Get it now before the final boarding call!

Priority Pass is the world's largest independent airport VIP lounge access program, with over 1,400+ lounges in over 600 cities across 148 countries! From just £69 for an annual pass.

The lovely people from priority Pass have offered me a 30% discount code making it just £48! Be quick this won't last long! Use my link below.

Take a Look Here ( I get a tiny kickback BTW, thank you for the support )

👉 Exclusive Offer Sign up for Priority Pass and save 30% today!

Check out Prices and Information HERE

Don't forget to get an eSim before you travel and save yourself data roaming fee's!

Follow me on Instagram for the latest lounge reviews, tips, and deals. See you in the skies!

Have you experienced a delayed or cancelled flight?

Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.

Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading Holidaymakers Face Worst Air Traffic Control Issues in 25 Years.