Quantcast

Ryanair urges NATS CEO Martin Rolfe to resign after Stansted delays

Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Gatwick Airport Faces Potential Strikes
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Ryanair urges NATS CEO Martin Rolfe to resign after Stansted delays
Policy
Webp nats
Martin Rolfe, CEO of NATS | Official Website

Ryanair has once again called for the resignation of Martin Rolfe, CEO of NATS, following delays at London Stansted Airport due to staffing shortages. The Dublin-based airline, known for its low-cost fares and outspoken approach, criticized the United Kingdom's leading air traffic control service provider after operational challenges led to significant flight delays on a busy travel day.

London Stansted, one of Ryanair's major bases, experienced widespread delays as a result of insufficient air traffic control staff. Ryanair took to social media to inform passengers that some flights could be delayed by up to two hours. The airline attributed these disruptions to NATS' inability to provide adequate staffing levels, particularly during a peak travel period with many families traveling for the half-term break.

In its statement, Ryanair demanded that Rolfe step down from his position. "It is completely unacceptable that passengers - many of whom are families heading away for the half-term break - are suffering unnecessary delays (up to 2hrs) due to NATS failure to provide adequate staff levels," the airline stated. It further accused Rolfe of being overpaid and incapable of managing the persistent staff shortages.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

This isn't the first time Ryanair has targeted Rolfe. In September 2024, Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's CEO, had previously called for his resignation following disruptions at Gatwick Airport in August. O'Leary remarked: “This is the latest in a long line of cock-ups by UK Nats... Airlines and passengers deserve better."

The calls for reform in air traffic control services extend beyond recent months. In December 2023, O'Leary also blamed Rolfe's management for widespread delays. Ryanair continues to push for improvements in staffing levels at air traffic control centers, highlighting the financial impact such delays have on their operations.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Southwest Airlines is considering selling some of its incoming Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, according to CEO Bob Jordan.

Jun 13, 2025

Southwest Airlines has long been known for its operational efficiency, which is a cornerstone of its business model.

Jun 13, 2025

United Airlines has announced an expansion of its European network with seven new routes for the summer season.

Jun 13, 2025

Qatar Airways has decided to cancel its order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, opting instead to focus on expanding its fleet with Airbus narrowbody planes.

Jun 13, 2025

American Airlines has announced the formation of a new Customer Experience Advisory Board.

Jun 13, 2025

Regional jets are not typically associated with long-haul flights, but in the United States, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are using the Bombardier CRJ700 for some of the longest routes globally.

Jun 13, 2025