Aviation and Airlines (Commonwealth Union) _ European airlines are working hard to prevent a repeat of last year’s travel chaos, caused by strikes and staff shortages. With passenger numbers returning to or even surpassing pre-pandemic levels, European airports are preparing for a busy summer in July and August. To assess how airports are coping with the influx of travellers, AirHelp, a passenger rights company, analysed flight delays and cancellations in June at major European airports with over 5,000 flights that month.
Among the airports analysed, London’s Gatwick Airport had the highest rate of flight disruption, with 54% of flights meeting AirHelp’s criteria for disruption. In contrast, Finland’s Helsinki Airport performed the best, with only 18% of flights affected. Some of Europe’s busiest airports, such as Amsterdam’s Schiphol and London’s Heathrow, experienced disruption rates of 36% and nearly 40% respectively.
Demand for travel to Europe from US travellers has exceeded 2019 growth rates by up to 20% since late April, leading to a surge in ticket prices. Spain, in particular, is witnessing a significant increase in international tourism, with May 2023 recording 8.2 million visitors, an 18% increase from 2022 and 4% higher than the same period in 2019.
To avoid travel disruptions, it is recommended to book the first flight of the day, travel on a Tuesday or Wednesday, and choose direct flights. AirHelp has identified the 10 airports in Europe with the highest disruption rates, as well as the 10 airports offering a smoother travel experience.
As airports and airlines work to manage the challenges posed by increased passenger numbers, the focus remains on providing a seamless travel experience while addressing potential disruptions and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of travellers.
