The autumn holidays have begun in many federal states, and for air travelers, the hoped-for relaxation during the holidays could quickly turn into a test of patience. As in the chaotic summer months, when numerous flights were delayed or even canceled, experts are expecting a significant number of disruptions to air traffic in the autumn.
A recent analysis by travel tech company AirHelp shows that in October 2023, almost 29 percent of air passengers across Europe were affected by delays or cancellations - an increase compared to the previous year. Travelers in Portugal, the Netherlands and Germany in particular should prepare for problems.
Increasing number of affected passengers
The numbers speak for themselves: In October 2022, around 22,3 million passengers across Europe were affected by flight disruptions, corresponding to a share of 28,7 percent. In October 2023, the number rose to 26,5 million passengers, a slight increase to 28,9 percent. These data make it clear that air traffic in Europe continues to suffer from significant problems even after the recovery from the corona pandemic. There are many reasons for this: staff shortages, technical problems and weather-related complications repeatedly cause delays and flight cancellations.
In particular, Portugal, which was already the leader in delays last year, ranks first with 39,1 percent of affected passengers in October 2023. In the Netherlands, 37,7 percent of passengers were affected by flight problems, followed by Serbia with 33 percent. Great Britain and Germany also fared poorly: In Great Britain, 32,6 percent of passengers were affected by delays, while in Germany 32,1 percent of passengers suffered from the disruptions.
Glimmer of hope: fewer problems in North Macedonia
However, not all countries in Europe have a high number of flight problems. A look at North Macedonia shows that travelers here can rely on a fairly stable flight situation compared to other countries.
Only 16,8 percent of passengers there experienced delays or cancellations. Norway (17,7 percent) and Estonia (20,3 percent) also performed relatively well. These countries are characterized by lower occupancy of their airports and more efficient management, which minimizes delays and cancellations.
Passenger rights: Claiming compensation
Despite the adverse circumstances, passengers in Europe have clear rights if their flight is significantly delayed or cancelled altogether. In the event of delays of more than three hours or flight cancellations, affected travelers can claim compensation - provided the problems were caused by the airline and not by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or medical emergencies. In autumn 2023, 2,7 million passengers across Europe were entitled to compensation. What is particularly striking is that in Albania, 30,8 percent of affected passengers were entitled to compensation, which is the highest rate in Europe. Kosovo is in second place with 23,6 percent, followed by the United Kingdom with 12,7 percent.
The amount of compensation depends on the length of the flight and the actual delay at the destination. There are clear rules for flights within the EU: Depending on the route, travelers can receive up to 600 euros in compensation. However, many passengers are unaware of their rights or are afraid of the bureaucratic hassle. Platforms such as AirHelp therefore offer support in asserting claims and enable passengers to apply for compensation retroactively up to three years after the flight.
Reasons for the delays
The reasons for the ongoing problems in European air traffic are complex and varied. A key factor is the ongoing shortage of staff in the aviation industry. Many employees who were laid off or put on short-time work during the pandemic have not returned to their old jobs. This shortage of staff affects not only airlines, but also ground staff and security personnel at airports. In addition, there are technical problems and partly outdated infrastructure at European airports.
In addition, strikes are always an issue. In recent years, strikes at various European airlines and airports have led to significant disruptions. It cannot be ruled out that strikes will continue to put strain on the already strained system in autumn 2023.
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