United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Ryanair slams NATS fee hike
Ryanair took aim at the CAA for enabling NATS to increase air traffic control fees airlines have to pay.
ATC service fees will rise by a quarter through 2027.
The hike comes months after a major IT system meltdown at NATS led to over 2,000 UK flights being cancelled.
Thousands more were delayed during the August bank holiday period.
“NATS should not be rewarded for these repeated failures with a 26% price increase,” the airline said.
Since the debacle Ryanair has been one of NATS’ loudest critics, calling for the head of the service to resign.
Ryanair says it already pays NATS almost €100m per year for air traffic control services.
“NATS should be obliged by the CAA to reimburse airlines the costs.”
The airline says it cost it £15m due to ATC failures.
“Until NATS provide full ATC staffing at weekends during the busy summer season no price increases should be awarded,” it said.
“Ryanair believes there will be no improvement in NATS rosters, efficiency or services, until CEO Martin Rolfe is sacked.”
“The CAA should not be rewarding NATS for its incompetence.”
Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary added: “We are astonished at the CAA’s decision. NATS continues to call for last-minute schedule cuts at Gatwick due to mismanaged rosters in the ATC tower.”
Related News Stories:
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Tricia Handley-Hughes of Inteletravel announces the location for the TravelQuest 2025 conference
Insights from James Ferrara on Inteletravel’s Growth and Future
Tricia Handley-Hughes on Inteletravel’s Growth and Challenges
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Woman dies after getting ‘entangled’ in baggage carousel
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Protestors now targeting Amsterdam cruise calls