The European air travel landscape is currently facing unprecedented disruptions, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated. A combination of strikes, increased aviation taxes, and critical IT system failures has led to mass flight cancellations and delays across the continent. This article delves into the causes of the chaos, the airports and airlines most affected, and what passengers can do in response.​

Brussels Airport Paralyzed by General Strike

On March 31, 2025, Brussels Airport came to a standstill as all departing flights were canceled due to a nationwide general strike in Belgium. The industrial action, protesting government labor market reforms, also crippled local trains, buses, trams, and some Eurostar services. Passengers were advised to contact their airlines for rebooking or refunds, though compensation claims were denied under the “extraordinary circumstances” clause. ​

Ryanair Slashes Routes Amid Tax Increases

Ryanair has announced significant cuts to its European flight schedule, citing rising aviation taxes in countries like France, Italy, and Denmark. The airline has already ceased operations at Paris-Vatry and Bordeaux airports and plans further reductions, potentially affecting up to 50% of capacity at French regional airports. Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, criticized the tax hikes, stating they render the French market uncompetitive compared to other European nations. ​

IT Outages Cripple Major European Airports

A global IT outage on July 19, 2024, caused widespread chaos at airports across Europe. Prague, Budapest, Bratislava, and Amsterdam’s Schiphol airports experienced severe disruptions, with some flights grounded and check-in systems failing. In Germany, Berlin Brandenburg Airport halted flights, while Hamburg Airport resorted to manual ticketing. Airlines like Swiss International Air Lines and Ryanair faced significant operational challenges, leading to numerous cancellations and delays. ​

British Airways Struggles with Operational Challenges

British Airways has seen a doubling of flight delays and cancellations at London’s Heathrow Airport. In the 12 months leading up to July 2024, 9% of BA flights were either delayed by over an hour or canceled, compared to 4.5% in the same period in 2019. The airline attributes these issues to air traffic control restrictions and engine shortages affecting its Boeing 787 fleet. Despite efforts to improve reliability, BA continues to face significant operational hurdles. ​

Passenger Rights and Compensation

Under EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, passengers are entitled to compensation for flight cancellations and long delays, ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance and delay duration. However, exceptions apply in cases deemed “extraordinary circumstances,” such as strikes or severe weather. Passengers should contact their airlines to understand their rights and potential compensation. ​

The current state of European air travel is marked by uncertainty and frustration for passengers. Strikes, tax increases, and IT failures have converged to create a perfect storm of disruptions. Travelers are advised to stay informed, maintain flexible travel plans, and be aware of their rights regarding compensation and assistance.

For more stories and insights, visit It’s On

Instagram:@itson.ie

TikTok videos and information:@itson.ie