Flight chaos in Palma

Ryanair, was forced to cancel more than 240 flights yesterday as the strike entered into its second day, while EasyJet, scrapped 128 with some of those due to fly between the UK and Spain and the Balearics. Scores of flights through French airspace weredelayed and passengers bound for other European destinations were told to prepare for delays of up to four hours.

A statement from Ryanair, called on the European Commission to remove air traffic controllers' right to strike. “It is unacceptable that the skies over Europe are repeatedly closed or flights are delayed by the unjustified strike action of tiny numbers of air traffic controllers,” a spokesman said. “These public servants are among the most overpaid and protected in Europe and yet they repeatedly opt for the strike weapon as a first, rather than a last resort. “The solution to this problem is simple: remove their right to strike in exactly the same way that air traffic controllers in the USA are prevented by law from striking.” Travel group Abta said the industrial action was “deeply regrettable” and “penalises holidaymakers”.
The strike follows plans by the European Commission, which drafts EU laws, to overhaul European aviation.
It estimates inefficiencies in the way Europe's air traffic is managed add 42km (26 miles) to the average flight, so it wants to centralise air-traffic controls, rather than leave each member state to monitor its own skies.

The commission says this could triple the region's airspace capacity, cut costs and reduce delays.
But the controllers say the Single European Sky (SES) project will affect public safety and their working conditions.
Today's third and final day of industrial action was called off yesterday, but the knock on effects of the two day strike will mean delays will continue until the weekend, as airlines try to clear the back log.