UK ATC staff shortages and equipment failures causes serious delays

UK Air Traffic Control equipment failure is causing widespread and serious delays to passengers across the UK. Since March of this year, air traffic control delays caused by NATS staff shortages have increased by more than 200%.

 

Every year the same sorry pattern is repeated - NATS fails to prepare for the busy Summer, following a quieter Winter.    The resulting staff shortages and service failures cause long delays to millions of UK passengers every Summer.
 
NATS is the second most expensive ATC provider in Europe and one of the worst performers.   The CAA regulator, which failed so spectacularly in their regulation of London airports, can help to redeem itself by forcing NATS to deliver a decent service or recommend that they lose their monopoly right to abuse and overcharge UK passengers.

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 01-Aug-08