DiscoverBusiness DailyWhat has happened to Europe's air traffic controllers?
What has happened to Europe's air traffic controllers?

What has happened to Europe's air traffic controllers?

Update: 2025-12-01
Share

Description

Staff shortages and strikes are leaving passengers and airlines frustrated. So why are there such problems in recruitment?

Industry bodies estimate over the next decade we could be short of 70,000 air traffic controllers around the world. We hear what is luring some controllers out of Europe and why others are leaving the sector all together. And what could the financial and safety implications be for passengers and airlines?

Presenter: Will Bain
Producer: Josh Martin

(Photo: NATS Swanwick ops room,. NATS is a UK-based air traffic control company. Credit: NATS)

Comments 
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

What has happened to Europe's air traffic controllers?

What has happened to Europe's air traffic controllers?

BBC World Service