In 2016 alone, European air traffic controller strikes caused 1 million minutes of flight delays. The International Air Transport Association provided the data in a statement last week, asking European governments to intervene and ensure an end to the strikes. “The current frequency of disputes is totally unacceptable. European air travelers have suffered an incredible 1 million minutes of delay and more than 3,000 canceled flights as a result of strikes this year… Every hour wasted impacts European productivity as businesses are disrupted. And it hurts holiday-makers when plans need to be altered. The time has come for European governments to work together to ensure the essential service of air traffic control is able to continue even during strikes,” said Rafael Schvartzman, European regional vice president, IATA. The IATA also points to a need for modernization in many European travel markets and updated navigation equipment. The association feels the Single European Sky initiative would address many of the issues currently facing the European air travel industry. Its goals include increasing key areas of safety, network capacity and environmental impact. Though begun in 1999, the initiative showed little progress in the past years. However, with increased participation, the initiative could lead to modernization producing more jobs and a highly profitable economic impact. “Air Traffic Controllers are highly-compensated professionals in a dynamic industry. They should be embracing reforms that are critical to delivering the safety, capacity, cost and environmental improvements European air travelers deserve,” added Schvartzman. “The European economy needs reliable air connectivity. It cannot afford to have its airspace closed like this. A starting point to keeping Europe’s skies open would be for each country to develop its own national airspace strategy, in consultation with airlines, which contains provisions for ensuring service continuity during periods of industrial action or equipment failure.” Do you feel European governments should interfere with air traffic controller strikes? Have you personally experienced the effects of staff strikes when traveling in Europe? Email us and let us know. Please include your full name and location with your email.