easyJet, the British low-cost airline, has made the decision to cancel approximately 1,700 flights for the duration of this summer. The cancellations are a result of strikes, insufficient staff numbers, and the closure of airspace. easyJet recently announced that the majority of the affected flights are those operating to and from Gatwick Airport, located south of London. Fortunately, 95% of the passengers affected by these cancellations have already been successfully rescheduled onto alternative flights. Despite the setbacks, around 90,000 flights are scheduled to operate between July and September, indicating that the cancellations account for a relatively small portion equivalent to a single day’s worth of connections.
easyJet emphasizes that the entire aviation industry is grappling with challenging circumstances this summer. The closure of Ukrainian airspace due to Russia’s aggressive war has significantly limited airspace availability over Europe. Additionally, planned strikes within the Eurocontrol air traffic control organization could potentially exacerbate the situation. Consequently, the carrier has proactively adjusted its flight programme, affecting only a small number of flights at Gatwick Airport.
