What's happened
An EasyJet flight from London Gatwick to Basel was diverted to Lyon after delays caused by air traffic control restrictions. The aircraft could not land in Basel due to a noise curfew, leading to a lengthy bus journey for passengers. This incident highlights ongoing air traffic control issues affecting travel plans during the August bank holiday.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Simon Calder in The Independent, the EasyJet flight was diverted due to a noise curfew at Basel, stating, "Some airports have strict operating times which cannot be extended." This highlights the operational challenges airlines face amidst air traffic control shortages. Meanwhile, Ryanair reported that 15% of its flights were delayed due to similar issues, indicating a broader trend affecting multiple airlines. The Independent also noted that last year's August bank holiday saw significant disruptions due to air traffic control failures, suggesting a recurring problem that travelers should be aware of.
How we got here
Air traffic control shortages across Europe have caused significant delays for travelers, particularly during peak travel times like the August bank holiday. EasyJet's recent flight diversion is part of a broader pattern of disruptions affecting multiple airlines.
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