The UK’s primary Air Traffic Control provider, National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has publicly accused Ryanair of misleading passengers over the cause of delays.
In a tweet on Monday, 9th July, Ryanair blamed French, German, Spanish and British ATC shortages for delays to 44% of its flights.
Much to Ryanair’s surprise though, NATS hit back pointing out that there were no ATC staffing delays in the whole of the UK.
Ryanair has been trying to put pressure on the EU for them to intervene in strike action and reduce delays across Europe but laying claims which NATS say are untrue in their largest market is unlikely to win Ryanair much support.
The airline is currently facing industrial action from its Irish pilots and cabin crew across Europe over pay and conditions which could result in cancellations over the summer period. IALPA Pilots are due to stage a 24hr walkout on 12th July.