Urgent alert for UK holidaymakers as flight delays could be the worst ever recorded

Holidaymakers are being advised to prepare for significant travel disruptions following warnings from senior figures within the aviation industry, who suggest delays this summer may be unavoidable.

Key air traffic control authorities across Europe have expressed concern, citing 2024 as the most disrupted year on record, with delays costing the aviation sector an estimated £2.4 billion.

As Easter and summer holiday travel ramps up, industry leaders have issued forecasts anticipating widespread delays, particularly with approximately 90 million passengers expected to depart from UK airports between June and September.

Travel operators have echoed these concerns, referencing projections from Eurocontrol—Europe’s air traffic management agency—which estimates a 5% increase in flight volumes compared to last year.

Even a modest rise of this scale is likely to strain the already saturated European airspace.

Steven Moore, Head of Air Traffic Management Operations at Eurocontrol, commented to The Times, stating: "It's plain we won't have a summer without delays," and highlighted the structural limitations of European airspace, noting that minor disruptions can cascade into widespread operational challenges.

Eurocontrol’s 2024 Performance Review Report attributed many delays to extreme weather conditions, which continue to pose a significant operational risk across the continent.

Airline stakeholders have also expressed concern. EasyJet reported a 41% increase in flight delays during January and February 2025. David Morgan, the carrier’s Chief

Operating Officer, described the cost implications as “eye-watering” and emphasised the persistent issue of staffing shortfalls within air traffic control.

Morgan noted: "I can hardly remember a year when we've not had [air traffic control] staffing issues. The cost of delays is eye-watering — it's costing hundreds of millions to airlines. Everyone likes to talk about realistic schedules but it's not always easy."

With millions of passengers expected to travel during peak periods, the possibility of further disruption remains high. Passengers are encouraged to monitor airline communications, consult Foreign Office travel advisories, and stay updated on potential industrial action in their intended destination.

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