Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has renewed his calls for the resignation of Martin Rolfe, the chief executive of Nats (National Air Traffic Services), following further disruptions at Gatwick Airport due to air traffic control (ATC) staff shortages.
Mr O’Leary has urged Mr Rolfe to step down and “allow someone competent” to take over, citing recent delays and cancellations caused by insufficient staffing at Gatwick on Sunday, September 8. This is the latest in a series of incidents that have disrupted flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
The Ryanair boss has been a vocal critic of Nats and its leadership, particularly after a major technical failure in August 2022 led to widespread disruptions at UK airports during the Bank Holiday Monday. Mr O’Leary stated that such issues have persisted since then, with Gatwick regularly affected by ATC staffing shortages.
“UK Nats staff shortages caused multiple flight delays and cancellations at Gatwick Airport yesterday. This is the latest in a long line of cock-ups by UK Nats, which has yet again disrupted multiple flights and thousands of passengers at Gatwick. Airlines and passengers deserve better,” Mr O’Leary said.
He continued: “Ryanair again calls on UK Nats chief executive Martin Rolfe to step down and allow someone competent to run an efficient UK ATC service, which airlines and passengers are entitled to expect. If he won’t go, then (new Transport Secretary) Louise Haigh should sack him.”
Nats has previously stated that it is “working in line” with a staffing plan agreed with Gatwick Airport when it took over ATC services in October 2022. This includes training new air traffic controllers to address the staffing issues.
Both Nats and Gatwick have yet to comment on the latest call for Mr Rolfe’s resignation.
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