Ryanair cites 1,000 cancelled flights as UK air traffic chaos escalates

Ryanair disclosed that 1,000 of its scheduled flights were cancelled last month due to two distinct air-traffic control incidents within two weeks, compounded by ATC strikes in Belgium and volcanic ash from Mount Etna affecting European routes. The latest disruption stemmed from a “connectivity issue” at Nats' Prestwick centre in Scotland, unrelated to the earlier software fault on September 8 that caused widespread chaos.

The airline has been vocal in demanding the resignation of Nats chief Martin Rolfe, leading Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to schedule a discussion with Nats chairman Sir Warren East. Despite the cancellations, Ryanair logged more than 111,700 flights and transported 20.1 million passengers, marking a 4 % increase from the previous year. In contrast, rival Wizz announced a 5 % cut to its flight programme for the second half of 2026, citing pressures from the Iran war and rising fuel costs.