Budget airline Ryanair has released a statement following the sudden cancellation of numerous flights, leaving passengers in a difficult situation. The airline strongly criticized what they described as an ‘illegal wildcat’ strike carried out by Belgian air traffic controllers on Tuesday, June 2.
This strike led to the abrupt cancellation of 100 Ryanair flights to and from Charleroi and Zaventem Airports, affecting nearly 20,000 passengers and disrupting their travel plans, according to the airline. Ryanair expressed disappointment over the lack of prior notice given by the Belgian air traffic controllers, emphasizing the impact on travelers and the significant financial investment made by airlines for air traffic control services.
CEO Michael O’Leary of Ryanair voiced his support for the right to strike but condemned the zero-notice nature of the Belgian ATC strike. He stressed the importance of providing adequate notice, at least 24 hours, to allow airlines to adjust schedules and minimize disruptions for passengers, especially families traveling on holidays.
Ryanair passengers face potential disruptions due to a separate strike scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, in Portugal, where a general strike is set to take place. This strike is part of protests against labor reforms proposed by the Portuguese government, with the potential to impact various sectors across the country.
While it has been reported that other airlines could be affected by the strike, Ryanair has reassured its passengers that its operations will continue as usual. This strike marks the second general strike in recent months in Portugal, highlighting ongoing concerns over labor policies and potential widespread disruptions.
