Pilots expect delays galore
UK: 2003 could be the worst year ever for airport hold-ups
Travellers using British airports are likely to face the worst-ever year for delays, according to a report in the Daily Express. While 2002 was the worst year on record for delays, pilots have warned that problems with air traffic control systems and a shortage of operators will mean this year will be even worse. Last summer saw some 33 per cent of flights running more than 15 minutes late. Martin Alder, of the pilots’ union Balpa, told the newspaper: “The manpower shortage is not going to go away overnight, which will cause delays for some time. If people carry on travelling at the same rate delays will almost certainly get worse.” And a “senior airline source” added: “We are worried that there will be more delays this year. NATS is still struggling to cope with the aftermath of its partial privatisation.” NATS, meanwhile, promised that there would be FEWER delays this year; time will tell, of course!
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