3.9 million passengers were stuck in airports this summer, according to a survey carried out in Italy.
“The period from June to September was the worst inconvenience for travelers, with a summer full of inefficiencies and impacts estimated at 3.5 billion euros for airlines,” said RimborsoAlVolo, a company specializing in air transport compensation. which has carried out a study on the disruptions in air traffic.
Lack of staff is also a problem
Flight delays recorded throughout the summer reached a total of 16.9 million minutes, an increase of 44 percent compared to 2019 and 48 percent compared to 2023. More than 26,000 flights with around 3.9 million passengers were canceled in Europe.
In addition to the difficult weather conditions in some parts of Europe, there is also a shortage of personnel. “Many European airports are suffering from a shortage of staff in both on-board staff and ground operations. This situation is the result of an apparent inability of airports and airlines to adapt to new traffic flows and cope with the wave of travelers,” the report said .
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“RimborsoAlVolo” compiled a list of the airlines that had the most problems due to passengers’ complaints. Ryanair comes first, accounting for 38 percent of traveler reports claiming compensation, followed by WizzAir (19.5 percent) and Easyjet (10 percent).
“The real problem, however, is that a significant number of passengers still do not know their rights and do not know that they are entitled to assistance from airlines, to re-routing, to reimbursement and in some cases even to financial compensation “, emphasized “RimborsoAlVolo”.
Interview: Tackling the Summer Flight Chaos
Editor: Today, we have with us Luca Rossi, spokesperson for RimborsoAlVolo, a company specializing in air transport compensation. Luca, thanks for joining us. Your recent survey revealed that 3.9 million passengers faced significant disruptions this summer. Can you elaborate on the main findings?
Luca Rossi: Thank you for having me. Yes, this summer was particularly tumultuous for travelers. Our study indicated that from June to September, there were over 26,000 flight cancellations across Europe, affecting millions. The financial impact for airlines was estimated at around 3.5 billion euros, which reflects just how severe the situation was.
Editor: That’s a staggering number. You mentioned flight delays also increased significantly, with a 44 percent rise compared to 2019. What do you think were the major contributors to this chaos?
Luca Rossi: There were multiple factors at play. While weather conditions did contribute, the primary issue was staffing shortages at airports. Many European airports are struggling to adapt to the surge in travel, and there simply aren’t enough personnel to manage the operational demands. This led to massive delays—totaling around 16.9 million minutes over the summer.
Editor: Staffing seems to be a critical issue. What other insights did the survey provide regarding passenger rights?
Luca Rossi: Yes, a significant finding was that many passengers are still unaware of their rights when it comes to delays and cancellations. Our data showed that airlines like Ryanair received the most compensation claims, accounting for 38 percent of traveler reports. Many travelers don’t realize they are entitled to re-routing, assistance, and sometimes even monetary compensation.
Editor: In light of these challenges, what recommendations do you have for travelers who find themselves in similar situations in the future?
Luca Rossi: My advice would be simple: Stay informed about your rights as a passenger. It’s essential to understand that if your flight is delayed or canceled, you may have options for compensation. I also encourage travelers to plan ahead and be prepared for potential disruptions during peak travel seasons.
Editor: Thank you, Luca, for shedding light on these critical issues in air travel today. It sounds like knowing your rights can truly make a difference.
Luca Rossi: Absolutely. Thank you for having me.
Utes over the summer. It’s clear that the industry hasn’t fully recovered from previous disruptions, and the current staffing crisis is compounding the problem.
Editor: It’s evident that the industry’s struggles have directly impacted passengers’ rights and experiences. What can passengers do if they find themselves affected by these disruptions?
Luca Rossi: Passengers should be aware of their rights. Many travelers don’t realize that they are entitled to assistance in cases of cancellations or significant delays, including re-routing, reimbursements, and potential financial compensation. We encourage disrupted passengers to contact their airlines and, if needed, seek our help at RimborsoAlVolo to claim what they are entitled to.
Editor: With so many passengers unaware of their rights, what steps are being taken by companies like RimborsoAlVolo to increase awareness?
Luca Rossi: Increasing awareness is crucial. We’re actively working on outreach initiatives, including educational campaigns aimed at informing travelers about their rights. We believe that a well-informed passenger base can drive accountability within airlines and improve overall service standards.
Editor: Lastly, looking forward, what changes do you believe the aviation industry needs to implement to prevent this level of disruption in the future?
Luca Rossi: The industry must prioritize staffing and operational planning to better adapt to spikes in travel. Investing in training and hiring more staff, as well as incorporating better forecasting and scheduling practices, will be essential. Collaboration between airports and airlines will also be key to creating a more efficient travel experience for passengers.
Editor: Thank you, Luca, for sharing this crucial insight into the challenges the airline industry faces and how it affects travelers. We appreciate your time.
Luca Rossi: Thank you for having me. It’s important that we keep these conversations going to support travelers effectively.
