Quantcast

Ryanair urges NATS CEO Martin Rolfe to resign after Stansted delays

Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
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

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

In December 2022, Southwest Airlines faced a major crisis as operational challenges led to the cancellation of 16,900 flights, affecting nearly two million passengers during a peak travel period.

Apr 19, 2025

Harrison Ford, an acclaimed actor known for roles such as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and Indiana Jones, is also a noted aviation enthusiast.

Apr 19, 2025

Iberia Airlines has confirmed a notable shift in its flight schedule connecting Madrid and Dallas/Fort Worth, introducing its first overnight service from Europe to the US.

Apr 19, 2025