Budget airline Ryanair has released a statement following the sudden cancellation of numerous flights, leaving passengers stranded. On June 2, the airline denounced what they termed an ‘illegal wildcat’ strike by Belgian air traffic controllers. This strike led to the cancellation of 100 Ryanair flights to and from Charleroi and Zaventem Airports, affecting nearly 20,000 passengers. Ryanair expressed dismay at the lack of prior notice given by the controllers before withdrawing air traffic control services, causing inconvenience to passengers.
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, emphasized the need for adequate notice for strikes, suggesting a minimum of 24 hours to allow airlines to adjust flight schedules and minimize disruptions for passengers, especially families on holiday trips. O’Leary stressed that while the airline respects the right to strike, the sudden nature of the Belgian ATC strike was unacceptable.
The airline also warned of potential disruptions due to a separate strike scheduled for the following day in Portugal. This general strike, the second in recent months, is in protest of planned labor reforms by the Portuguese government and is expected to impact various sectors across the country.
Although reports indicate that around 500 flights from different airlines could be affected, Ryanair has assured that its operations will continue as usual despite the potential disruptions. EasyJet, a rival carrier, has acknowledged the likelihood of some passenger inconvenience during the strike. Ryanair travelers are advised to stay informed about the situation and plan accordingly.
