Serbia’s ATC Strike Causes Delays Across Europe’s Skies
On 20 August, air traffic controllers in Belgrade began a 40-day strike that has already caused major disruption across Europe. In the first two days alone, nearly 100 flights were delayed and around 17,800 passengers affected. The problem extends beyond Serbia itself, as flights merely crossing its airspace are also caught in the disruption due to the country’s lack of legal protection for overflights.
Ryanair has condemned the situation, arguing that it exposes serious flaws in Europe’s aviation system. The airline has called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take immediate action and introduce rules to protect overflights during national strikes. According to Ryanair, it is unfair that families and holidaymakers, who have no plans to stop in Serbia, are facing delays simply because their flights pass through Serbian airspace.
“It is unacceptable that EU passengers not even flying to/from Serbia but are simply overflying Serbian airspace en route to their destination are being forced to suffer unnecessary disruption as a result of Serbian ATC strikes. This is because Serbia do not protect overflights during national ATC strikes, like they do in Italy, Spain, and Greece. It makes no sense and is abundantly unfair on EU passengers and families going on holidays that just happen to pass through Serbian airspace en route to their destination.“
This means unexpected risks even on flights that do not involve Serbia directly. For example, routes such as the UK to Turkey or Poland to Greece often cross Serbian skies, which makes them vulnerable to potential disturbances. Passengers may find themselves rerouted, delayed for long periods, or missing connections altogether, leading to added expenses and heightened stress during their trips. This demonstrates that even limited disputes have the power to quickly unsettle travel plans throughout Europe.
To minimize inconvenience, travelers should keep a close eye on flight updates and allow extra time when planning connections. Opting for flexible fares and reviewing travel insurance policies can ease the burden of unexpected disruptions. Because delays can ripple out to airports well beyond the strike area, travelers should be prepared for extended travel times and occasional unplanned layovers as airlines work to adapt their schedules.
This strike underlines how interconnected European air travel really is. Even a strike confined to a single country can spark a domino effect, leading to widespread delays that impact travelers across many regions. For those flying, it underscores that smooth journeys rely just as heavily on clear airspace as they do on dependable airports. Without harmonized EU regulations safeguarding overflights, travelers will probably continue experiencing disruptions that they cannot control.