The boss of a major airline has slammed the UK’s latest air traffic control problems as ‘unacceptable’ after a rescue mission was launched to bring 7,200 stranded passengers home
A furious airline chief has blasted the latest air traffic control chaos, demanding urgent government intervention after thousands of sunseekers were left stranded abroad. Jet2 boss Steve Heapy lashed out at National Air Traffic Services (NATS) following a major system failure last week that threw travel plans into turmoil and disrupted nearly 2,200 flights across two days.
The UK’s largest tour operator was forced to launch a massive rescue operation to repatriate around 7,200 stranded holidaymakers from popular hotspots, including Greece, Turkey, Spain and Malta.
The budget carrier scrambled more than a dozen extra flights, drafted in spare aircraft and arranged emergency ground transport to bring desperate Brits home.
Hitting out over the chaos, Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy said: “This latest failure caused significant disruption to thousands of our customers through no fault of their own, and once again airlines, colleagues and customers were left to pick up the pieces because critical national infrastructure failed.
“That is completely unacceptable and holidaymakers deserve much better. The government has a direct responsibility given its 49 per cent ownership of Nats, and with customers needing confidence and airlines needing certainty, proper answers are required following this latest failure.”
He praised the efforts of frontline workers who stepped in to manage the fallout, adding: “Our teams went above and beyond to look after customers, get people home and recover our operation after last week’s latest Nats failure.
“By arranging extra flying and deploying every available resource, we have been able to help thousands of customers return home as quickly as possible.
“I would like to thank our fantastic colleagues, who have once again demonstrated the award-winning customer service and customer-first approach that Jet2 is known for.
“Their effort has been exceptional, but the simple fact is that hardworking holidaymakers should never have been put in this position in the first place.”
The aviation industry outrage follows similar calls from rivals TUI and EasyJet, who are demanding immediate investment in the UK’s flight control systems to prevent repeat meltdowns.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed an investigation will be held into the issues.
Jet2 confirmed that any customers hit by flight cancellations will be issued a full refund.