A worldwide pilot shortage and airports still unprepared to handle the current busy flight schedules could lead to even more flight delays and cancellations in 2019 than in the previous year. last year.
- AirHelp predicts that in 2019, more than 11 million air passengers worldwide will be affected by flight delays and cancellations for which they will be entitled to compensation under European Regulation (EC) No. 261.
- For Russia, this figure will be 34,500 people.
- The number of flight cancellations and delays worldwide could reach 30,000 per day.
As the company told TRN, 2018 proved catastrophic for the air travel and tourism industries: for the first time, more than 10 million air passengers worldwide suffered flight delays and cancellations, which are eligible for compensation under European Regulation (EC) No. 261. Against this backdrop, AirHelp experts believe the chaos will continue in 2019, predicting that more than 2 billion air passengers will experience some form of travel disruption.
"With the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the threat of further strikes, a shortage of pilots and air traffic controllers, and overloaded schedules at most major European airports, travelers should be prepared for a continued increase in flight delays in 2019. We predict that more than 11 million air passengers worldwide will be affected by flight delays and cancellations, for which they will be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261. Therefore, we urge all travelers to understand their rights and assert them by demanding the compensation they are legally entitled to," says Henrik Zillmer, CEO of AirHelp.
Last year, over 93 million air passengers departed from Russian airports. AirHelp forecasts that this figure will grow to over 96 million passengers in 2019.
The increase in passenger traffic, according to company experts, could lead to an even more significant increase in the number of disrupted flights, since neither airlines nor airports appear to have taken sufficient measures to be able to cope with higher loads.
To improve the quality of traveler service, many airports will need to take action. To avoid airspace congestion, airports can add new runways, expand existing ones, and better manage flight schedules. Smaller airports can also add new terminals dedicated exclusively to international flights to expedite customs and passport control. Airlines, for their part, can focus on staffing: hiring more pilots to address the industry-wide shortage and improving working conditions for flight attendants to avoid further strikes. Boeing forecasts that global commercial aviation will need an additional 637,000 pilots over the next 20 years.
"It's clear that airlines need to make changes to adapt to the growing demand for travel. The number of air passengers is only set to continue to grow, so it's unfortunate that more and more travelers will face disruptions due to airlines. It's time to do something about these ongoing flight delays and cancellations. Until action is taken, I think it's safe to say that extended flight delays and cancellations will remain a significant issue," says Henrik Zillmer, CEO of AirHelp. "And since this issue remains unresolved, air passengers should be aware of their rights and, if an unfortunate incident does occur during a flight, ensure that their rights are respected and that they are treated appropriately."
Forecast for 2019 in numbers
According to AirHelp forecasts, nearly 9.8 million passengers in Russia will be affected by various types of air travel disruptions in 2019 (ranging from 15-minute delays to more than three hours of delays and cancellations, for which financial compensation is already provided under EU law). Over 34,500 people are expected to be affected by disruptions for which compensation is provided under EU Regulation No. 261. In total, more than 75,000 flights will be disrupted, or more than 200 flights per day.
According to AirHelp experts who analyzed statistics for the past several years, the busiest period for Russian airports will be the first half of August. Moscow and St. Petersburg are predicted to be the most popular destinations for Russian air travelers in 2019.
We would like to add that in the event of a flight delay, cancellation, or denied boarding, passengers may, under certain circumstances, be entitled to financial compensation of up to €600 per person. To be eligible for compensation, either the departure airport must be within the EU, or the carrier must be based in the EU and operate the flight with an arrival point within the EU. Furthermore, the flight delay must be the airline's fault. The right to financial compensation must be exercised within three years from the date of the flight delay.
If a flight is disrupted due to exceptional circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions or the need for emergency medical assistance, the airline is relieved of its obligation to pay compensation to passengers.
Source: trn-news.ru