As the UK gears up for another busy holiday season, an estimated 90 million passengers are expected to fly in and out of UK airports between June and September 2025. But with that volume comes a familiar warning: brace for major flight delays and disruptions across Europe.
A Significant Challenge
According to Eurocontrol, Europe’s air traffic control authority, delays in summer 2024 were 47% worse than in 2023, marking the worst performance since 2001. And the outlook for summer 2025? Even more challenging.
Steven Moore, head of air traffic management at Eurocontrol, said the increase in traffic during the summer posed a “significant challenge in a constrained network”. He explained that Europe has a highly interconnected network, where any issue escalates into a broader system-wide problem.
A combination of staffing shortages, airspace congestion, unpredictable weather, and military flight restrictions continues to cause widespread disruption. Airlines are struggling to manage schedules, with leaders from carriers like EasyJet admitting they “can hardly recall a day without air traffic control issues.”
Delays are Getting Worse
David Morgan, EasyJet’s airline chief, noted that delays were costing airlines an “eye-watering” amount, estimating losses in the hundreds of millions. “Everyone likes to talk about realistic schedules but it’s not always easy. Airlines must adhere to a schedule or risk losing [landing] slots. Delays are getting worse. They are part and parcel of summer, but staffing delays should be exceptional. Every year in peak summer we’re struggling with staffing.”
Jesus Garcia, the air navigation systems coordinator at Enaire, the Spanish air traffic management body, said more air traffic controllers were needed. But Garcia admitted that training them takes two to three years, and recruitment is typically based on long-term planning rather than short-term demand. Garcia said the organisation was facing a “perfect storm” of issues, including increased weather phenomena, military action, and flight restrictions.
These systemic challenges are expected to persist well into this summer.
So while commercial travellers face frustration and long delays, there’s a more reliable and enjoyable way to travel: private jet charter with Sentinel Aviation.
Why Fly Private This Summer?
Skip the Crowds – Avoid congested airports and long security queues. With private jet travel, you arrive at a dedicated terminal just minutes before departure.
Travel on Your Own Schedule – Forget rigid airline timetables. Choose your own departure time and arrive refreshed at your European destination.
Access More Airports – Private jets can land closer to your holiday spot, reducing transfers and total travel time.
Perfect for Families & Groups – Whether you’re planning a family getaway or a last-minute escape with friends, private jet travel makes your journey part of the luxury experience.
Reliable & Responsive – Sentinel Aviation ensures a smooth and flexible travel experience, even when commercial airspace faces challenges.
Fly Stress-Free This Summer
With ongoing disruption expected to hit commercial flights hard again this summer—due to staffing shortfalls, weather patterns, military airspace restrictions, and a surge in demand—there’s never been a better time to explore the comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind that comes with private jet charter.
Roland Dangerfield, Sentinel Aviation Operations Director: “please contact us for advice on how we can help mitigate any risk to your Summer plans this year. And remember, if you are flying to Ibiza, Mykonos and Naples at the weekends in particular, you should be booking your charter well in advance.
Let Sentinel Aviation help you avoid the chaos and arrive in Europe the way travel was meant to be: seamless, stylish, and stress-free.
Contact us today to plan your summer escape.
