Adria warns of European airspace challenges

NEWS FLASH

Adria Airways expects for flight delays across the continent to increase as European air transport faces major challenges due to air traffic congestion. The carrier noted such disruptions will occur as the number of travellers continues to grow year by year, with growth exceeding existing aviation infrastructure capacity. "In the past year, Adria Airways, like all European carriers, saw an increase in the number of changes to its flight schedule, which resulted in delays and cancellations. Airspace restrictions, weather conditions and a lack of crew members were cited as the most common factors", the Slovenian carrier said. Adria Airways' Accountable Manager and Chief Operating Officer, Tadej Notersberg, noted, "From an operational point of view, a demanding period lies ahead of us, as all European air carriers are once again faced with a number of challenges. In our daily operations we are already facing the initial consequences of European airspace restrictions, and there will be many more of them during the summer. Delays are inevitable and passengers and air carriers have to start preparing for them now. These are irregularities that we have little influence over as a carrier and cannot avoid them". He added, "We were faced with a crew shortage last year, but the situation is better this year. We significantly increased crew recruitment and training last year, and this is continuing this year. I expect that we will be able to manage the circumstances on which we have a direct influence over, as we are well prepared for them".