European Hub Delays Surge 18% Amid ATC Staffing Shortages

European aviation authorities reported a significant uptick in flight delays across major hub airports last week, with data showing an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

The disruptions centered primarily on Frankfurt, Amsterdam Schiphol, and London Heathrow, where ATC staffing shortages combined with unseasonably high traffic volumes created cascading delays throughout the network.

Key Figures

According to Eurocontrol data, the average delay per delayed flight reached 34 minutes across the ECAC region. Frankfurt saw the most significant impact with over 2,100 delayed departures recorded between Monday and Friday.

Airlines operating narrowbody fleets faced particular challenges, with quick turnarounds becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Lufthansa and KLM both issued statements acknowledging the operational constraints.

Root Causes

ATC capacity limitations remain the primary driver, accounting for approximately 40% of all delay minutes. Weather contributed another 25%, with persistent fog conditions at Schiphol reducing runway capacity for three consecutive days.

Industry analysts expect delays to normalize as staffing levels improve through Q1, though summer peak season remains a concern for capacity planners across the continent.