Flight delays have turn into the norm lately, not solely in Greece, but in addition on the European degree.
Final yr, within the 43 international locations belonging to the European Aviation Security Company (Eurocontrol), three out of each 10 flights arrived greater than quarter-hour late, and on common planes took off 17.8 minutes later than scheduled expectation
In Greece, this summer season on the two largest airports, Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos and Thessaloniki’s Makedonia, the place flights proceed to extend and subsequently the capability of the airports is tight, important delays are anticipated.
In Athens, solely 58.3% had been leaving flights on the finish of Might, with the corresponding determine for arrivals at 54.3%. Final Sunday the proportion of on-time departures and arrivals was 69% and 67%, respectively. On the identical day in Thessaloniki and Iraklio, 66.7% and 52.6% of flights departed on time, respectively, with 68.5% and 63% arriving on time.
Additionally, at Athens Airport on Monday, the typical flight delay time reached 45 minutes, and on Sunday 372 flights or 81% of the overall didn’t go away on time, in keeping with the aviation visitors monitoring platform. In Thessaloniki on Sunday, 42 flights or 45% of the overall didn’t go away on time, and on Monday, the typical delay reached 29 minutes.
In accordance with gamers out there, one of many predominant causes for the delay is a major improve in plane visitors, which results in a lower in airport capability.
Delays are additionally fueled by a scarcity of air visitors controllers. In accordance with the Union of Air Site visitors Controllers of Greece (EEEKE), the understaffing degree within the sector reaches 20% on common and rises to 40% on the Athens-Macedonia Management Heart. In accordance with the company, even when all the required appointments had been made right this moment, it will take two to 5 years for the brand new inspectors to be operationally deployed.
Nonetheless, the Civil Aviation Service is launching a young to recruit 96 air visitors controllers. It is price noting that the shortage of screeners can be a serious reason behind delays at US airports.
Additionally, the scarcity of luggage handlers is contributing to flight delays, with corporations resorting to hiring immigrants.
