Latest news with #MartinRolfe
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Ryanair calls on all UK passengers to take action after 7,000 delayed in one day alone this week
RYANAIR has called on all UK passengers to take action after 7,000 were delayed in just one day this week. The budget airline is calling on the CEO of the UK's leading provider of air traffic control services to step down following the travel disruption. 1 Ryanair has called on all UK passengers to take action after 7,000 were delayed in just one day this week Credit: LNP Martin Rolfe, CEO of the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) is facing calls to resign after staff shortages delayed 38 flights by up to an hour this week. Those delays impacted the travel of over 7,000 UK passengers according to Ryanair. In a message to its passengers, the airline said: "Ryanair has long campaigned for ATC reform to ensure that ATCs are fully staffed, but UK ATC delays are getting worse due to repeated NATS mismanagement and staff shortages. 'Ryanair calls on all passengers to visit the 'Air Traffic Control Ruined Your Flight' webpage and demand that Transport Minister, Heidi Alexander, sack Martin Rolfe and reform NATS's hopeless ATC service, so that airlines and passengers do not suffer further avoidable ATC delays at the hands of NATS's continued mismanagement and staff shortages.' Read more Travel News NATS provides assistance for both civilian and military aircraft in UK airspace and at a number of UK airports. The message comes just days after easyJet expressed their "extreme unhappiness" with strikes by French air traffic control (ATC) workers. French ATC staff walked out on July 3 and July 4 in a dispute over working conditions disrupting tens of thousands of passengers. Flights to and from French airports as well as those due to fly over French airspace were impacted. Most read in News Travel With 70 per cent of short-haul flights going in and out of the UK using French airpsace, easyJet is heavily reliant on France's air traffic control. At least 18 people injured after fire in Ryanair plane at Majorca airport as passengers abandon jet by clambering over wing Issues relating to air traffic control have caused 49 per cent of delays for the This is a 77 per cent hike compared with the same period last year. Chief executive, Kenton Jarvis, warned that the industrial action is presenting "unacceptable challenges". 'We are extremely unhappy with the strike action by the French ATC in early July, which as well as presenting unacceptable challenges for customers and crew also created unexpected and significant costs for all airlines," he said. He added that the walkout earlier this month was "very, very disruptive" as the company was forced to cancel nearly 700 flights at a cost of £15 million. Travel advice With a summer of further disruptions expected, The Sun's head of travel Lisa Minot has advised what you should do if travelling this summer. She said: "Whatever happens if it is [your flight] delayed or cancelled for reasons outside of the the airlines control, then unfortunately there is no compensation due. "But the airline does have a duty of care to look after you. "If your flight is cancelled and it is the airline's fault ... then you could be due compensation. "It could be anything up to £520." Last month The airline revealed the worst air traffic control centres (ATCs) for delays and this included the UK as the fifth worst. Ryanair said that the Micheal O'Leary, the airline's CEO, also said that if staff shortages and ATC issues are not sorted, there will be "record ATC flight delays this summer". The airline's 'League of Delays' revealed that France and Spain have been the most impacted so far this year, with 15,634 and 11,576 flights delayed respectively. The airline has also claimed that 90 per cent of their flight cancellations during the French ATC strikes, could have been avoided if overflights over France were allowed to take place. Many airlines are now calling on This would mean that airlines would not follow diversions via several points, but instead fly straight to a destination. Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Ryanair calls on all UK passengers to take action after 7,000 delayed in one day alone this week
FLIGHT CHAOS Ryanair calls on all UK passengers to take action after 7,000 delayed in one day alone this week Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RYANAIR has called on all UK passengers to take action after 7,000 were delayed in just one day this week. The budget airline is calling on the CEO of the UK's leading provider of air traffic control services to step down following the travel disruption. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Ryanair has called on all UK passengers to take action after 7,000 were delayed in just one day this week Credit: LNP Martin Rolfe, CEO of the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) is facing calls to resign after staff shortages delayed 38 flights by up to an hour this week. Those delays impacted the travel of over 7,000 UK passengers according to Ryanair. In a message to its passengers, the airline said: "Ryanair has long campaigned for ATC reform to ensure that ATCs are fully staffed, but UK ATC delays are getting worse due to repeated NATS mismanagement and staff shortages. 'Ryanair calls on all passengers to visit the 'Air Traffic Control Ruined Your Flight' webpage and demand that Transport Minister, Heidi Alexander, sack Martin Rolfe and reform NATS's hopeless ATC service, so that airlines and passengers do not suffer further avoidable ATC delays at the hands of NATS's continued mismanagement and staff shortages.' NATS provides assistance for both civilian and military aircraft in UK airspace and at a number of UK airports. The message comes just days after easyJet expressed their "extreme unhappiness" with strikes by French air traffic control (ATC) workers. French ATC staff walked out on July 3 and July 4 in a dispute over working conditions disrupting tens of thousands of passengers. Flights to and from French airports as well as those due to fly over French airspace were impacted. With 70 per cent of short-haul flights going in and out of the UK using French airpsace, easyJet is heavily reliant on France's air traffic control. At least 18 people injured after fire in Ryanair plane at Majorca airport as passengers abandon jet by clambering over wing Issues relating to air traffic control have caused 49 per cent of delays for the Luton-based carrier since the start of the holiday season (Easter). This is a 77 per cent hike compared with the same period last year. Chief executive, Kenton Jarvis, warned that the industrial action is presenting "unacceptable challenges". 'We are extremely unhappy with the strike action by the French ATC in early July, which as well as presenting unacceptable challenges for customers and crew also created unexpected and significant costs for all airlines," he said. He added that the walkout earlier this month was "very, very disruptive" as the company was forced to cancel nearly 700 flights at a cost of £15 million. Travel advice With a summer of further disruptions expected, The Sun's head of travel Lisa Minot has advised what you should do if travelling this summer. She said: "Whatever happens if it is [your flight] delayed or cancelled for reasons outside of the the airlines control, then unfortunately there is no compensation due. "But the airline does have a duty of care to look after you. "If your flight is cancelled and it is the airline's fault ... then you could be due compensation. "It could be anything up to £520." Last month Ryanair also said that this summer would be the worst summer for flight delays and cancellations. The airline revealed the worst air traffic control centres (ATCs) for delays and this included the UK as the fifth worst. Ryanair said that the European Commission and European governments "have taken no action to fix their shoddy ATC services and ATC delays will now be even worse in summer 2025". Micheal O'Leary, the airline's CEO, also said that if staff shortages and ATC issues are not sorted, there will be "record ATC flight delays this summer". The airline's 'League of Delays' revealed that France and Spain have been the most impacted so far this year, with 15,634 and 11,576 flights delayed respectively. The airline has also claimed that 90 per cent of their flight cancellations during the French ATC strikes, could have been avoided if overflights over France were allowed to take place. Many airlines are now calling on Brussels to complete the 'Single European Sky' project which would allow airlines to fly the most direct route possible within the EU. This would mean that airlines would not follow diversions via several points, but instead fly straight to a destination.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Ryanair calls on all UK passengers to take action after 7,000 delayed in one day alone this week
RYANAIR has called on all UK passengers to take action after 7,000 were delayed in just one day this week. The budget airline is calling on the CEO of the UK's leading provider of air traffic control services to step down following the travel disruption. 1 Martin Rolfe, CEO of the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) is facing calls to resign after staff shortages delayed 38 flights by up to an hour this week. Those delays impacted the travel of over 7,000 UK passengers according to Ryanair. In a message to its passengers, the airline said: "Ryanair has long campaigned for ATC reform to ensure that ATCs are fully staffed, but UK ATC delays are getting worse due to repeated NATS mismanagement and staff shortages. 'Ryanair calls on all passengers to visit the 'Air Traffic Control Ruined Your Flight' webpage and demand that Transport Minister, Heidi Alexander, sack Martin Rolfe and reform NATS's hopeless ATC service, so that airlines and passengers do not suffer further avoidable ATC delays at the hands of NATS's continued mismanagement and staff shortages.' NATS provides assistance for both civilian and military aircraft in UK airspace and at a number of UK airports. The message comes just days after easyJet expressed their "extreme unhappiness" with strikes by French air traffic control (ATC) workers. French ATC staff walked out on July 3 and July 4 in a dispute over working conditions disrupting tens of thousands of passengers. Flights to and from French airports as well as those due to fly over French airspace were impacted. With 70 per cent of short-haul flights going in and out of the UK using French airpsace, easyJet is heavily reliant on France's air traffic control. At least 18 people injured after fire in Ryanair plane at Majorca airport as passengers abandon jet by clambering over wing Issues relating to air traffic control have caused 49 per cent of delays for the Luton -based carrier since the start of the holiday season (Easter). This is a 77 per cent hike compared with the same period last year. Chief executive, Kenton Jarvis, warned that the industrial action is presenting "unacceptable challenges". 'We are extremely unhappy with the strike action by the French ATC in early July, which as well as presenting unacceptable challenges for customers and crew also created unexpected and significant costs for all airlines," he said. He added that the walkout earlier this month was "very, very disruptive" as the company was forced to cancel nearly 700 flights at a cost of £15 million. Travel advice With a summer of further disruptions expected, The Sun's head of travel Lisa Minot has advised what you should do if travelling this summer. She said: "Whatever happens if it is [your flight] delayed or cancelled for reasons outside of the the airlines control, then unfortunately there is no compensation due. "But the airline does have a duty of care to look after you. "If your flight is cancelled and it is the airline's fault ... then you could be due compensation. "It could be anything up to £520." Last month Ryanair also said that this summer would be the worst summer for flight delays and cancellations. The airline revealed the worst air traffic control centres (ATCs) for delays and this included the UK as the fifth worst. Ryanair said that the European Commission and European governments "have taken no action to fix their shoddy ATC services and ATC delays will now be even worse in summer 2025". Micheal O'Leary, the airline's CEO, also said that if staff shortages and ATC issues are not sorted, there will be "record ATC flight delays this summer". The airline's 'League of Delays' revealed that France and Spain have been the most impacted so far this year, with 15,634 and 11,576 flights delayed respectively. The airline has also claimed that 90 per cent of their flight cancellations during the French ATC strikes, could have been avoided if overflights over France were allowed to take place. Many airlines are now calling on Brussels to complete the 'Single European Sky' project which would allow airlines to fly the most direct route possible within the EU. This would mean that airlines would not follow diversions via several points, but instead fly straight to a destination. Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Ryanair asks passengers to act as flights cancelled in UK
The budget airline is calling on NATS CEO, Martin Rolfe to step down after staff shortages delayed 38 flights by up to an hour this week. Those delays impacted the travel of more than 7,000 UK passengers, Ryanair said. In a message to its passengers, the airline said: 'Ryanair has long campaigned for ATC reform to ensure that ATCs are fully staffed, but UK ATC delays are getting worse due to repeated NATS mismanagement and staff shortages. 'Ryanair calls on all passengers to visit the 'Air Traffic Control Ruined Your Flight' webpage and demand that Transport Minister, Heidi Alexander, sack Martin Rolfe and reform NATS's hopeless ATC service, so that airlines and passengers do not suffer further avoidable ATC delays at the hands of NATS's continued mismanagement and staff shortages.' NATS is the UK's leading provider of air traffic control services, providing assistance for both civilian and military aircraft in UK airspace and at several UK airports. ‼️ French Air Traffic Control strikes extended to 4 days (3-6 July) ‼️ ❌ further EU-wide delays ❌ thousands more passengers impacted Once again, we're calling on EU President @vonderleyen to urgently reform EU ATC services. Demand action👇 Ryanair's message comes days after fellow airline easyJet expressed their 'extreme unhappiness' with strikes by French air traffic control (ATC) workers. Tens of thousands of passengers were disrupted when French ATC staff walked out on July 3 and 4 in a dispute over working conditions. Flights to and from French airports, as well as those scheduled to fly over French airspace, were affected. Kenton Jarvis, chief executive of the Luton-based carrier, warned that the industrial action is presenting 'unacceptable challenges'. Mr Jarvis said: 'We are extremely unhappy with the strike action by the French ATC in early July, which as well as presenting unacceptable challenges for customers and crew also created unexpected and significant costs for all airlines.' He described the walkout in early July as 'very, very disruptive' as it forced it to cancel 660 flights and cost it £15 million. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) states that airlines must provide you with care and assistance if your flight is cancelled under UK law. This means they need to provide people with accommodation if they are re-routed to the next day, transport to and from the accommodation, a reasonable amount of food and drink (usually as vouchers) and a means for you to communicate (often by refunding the cost of your calls). The authority adds: "The airline must provide you with these items until it is able to fly you to your destination, no matter how long the delay lasts or what has caused it." If there is major disruption airlines are not always able to arrange care and assistance for all passengers. In those situations, the CAA recommends organising your own accommodation and transport and claiming the cost back later. They add: "If you end up paying for things yourself, keep every receipt and do not spend more than is reasonable. "Airlines are unlikely to refund you for things like luxury hotels or alcohol. Some will provide guidance on reasonable costs." Additionally, your airline must offer you the option to receive a refund for all parts of your ticket that you have not used or choose an alternative flight for.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Ryanair asks passengers to act as flights cancelled in UK
The budget airline is calling on NATS CEO, Martin Rolfe to step down after staff shortages delayed 38 flights by up to an hour this week. Those delays impacted the travel of more than 7,000 UK passengers, Ryanair said. In a message to its passengers, the airline said: 'Ryanair has long campaigned for ATC reform to ensure that ATCs are fully staffed, but UK ATC delays are getting worse due to repeated NATS mismanagement and staff shortages. 'Ryanair calls on all passengers to visit the 'Air Traffic Control Ruined Your Flight' webpage and demand that Transport Minister, Heidi Alexander, sack Martin Rolfe and reform NATS's hopeless ATC service, so that airlines and passengers do not suffer further avoidable ATC delays at the hands of NATS's continued mismanagement and staff shortages.' NATS is the UK's leading provider of air traffic control services, providing assistance for both civilian and military aircraft in UK airspace and at several UK airports. ‼️ French Air Traffic Control strikes extended to 4 days (3-6 July) ‼️ ❌ further EU-wide delays ❌ thousands more passengers impacted Once again, we're calling on EU President @vonderleyen to urgently reform EU ATC services. Demand action👇 — Ryanair (@Ryanair) July 5, 2025 Ryanair's message comes days after fellow airline easyJet expressed their 'extreme unhappiness' with strikes by French air traffic control (ATC) workers. Tens of thousands of passengers were disrupted when French ATC staff walked out on July 3 and 4 in a dispute over working conditions. Flights to and from French airports, as well as those scheduled to fly over French airspace, were affected. Kenton Jarvis, chief executive of the Luton-based carrier, warned that the industrial action is presenting 'unacceptable challenges'. Mr Jarvis said: 'We are extremely unhappy with the strike action by the French ATC in early July, which as well as presenting unacceptable challenges for customers and crew also created unexpected and significant costs for all airlines.' He described the walkout in early July as 'very, very disruptive' as it forced it to cancel 660 flights and cost it £15 million. What are your rights during flight cancellations? The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) states that airlines must provide you with care and assistance if your flight is cancelled under UK law. This means they need to provide people with accommodation if they are re-routed to the next day, transport to and from the accommodation, a reasonable amount of food and drink (usually as vouchers) and a means for you to communicate (often by refunding the cost of your calls). The authority adds: "The airline must provide you with these items until it is able to fly you to your destination, no matter how long the delay lasts or what has caused it." If there is major disruption airlines are not always able to arrange care and assistance for all passengers. In those situations, the CAA recommends organising your own accommodation and transport and claiming the cost back later. They add: "If you end up paying for things yourself, keep every receipt and do not spend more than is reasonable. "Airlines are unlikely to refund you for things like luxury hotels or alcohol. Some will provide guidance on reasonable costs." Additionally, your airline must offer you the option to receive a refund for all parts of your ticket that you have not used or choose an alternative flight for.
