Ryanair, Europe’s leading low-cost airline, has unveiled an exciting expansion of its Winter 2024 schedule from Brussels Charleroi Airport.
The carrier will introduce nine new routes in total. These will connect the Belgian city to a diverse range of destinations across Europe and beyond.
Outspoken CEO Michael O’Leary took the opportunity to launch further criticisms of Europe’s air traffic control issue. O’Leary hit out at what he characterized as record-breaking ATC delays arising from the ongoing issue.
New Destinations from Charleroi
Travelers from Brussels Charleroi will soon enjoy direct flights to:
- Cork, Ireland
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Kaunas, Lithuania
- Lamezia, Italy
- Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Tel Aviv, Israel
- Trieste, Italy
This expansion solidifies Ryanair’s position as Belgium’s top airline and furthers its commitment to providing affordable travel options for Belgian customers.
Brussels Zaventem Airport Faces Stagnation
In contrast to the growth at Charleroi, Ryanair reports zero expansion at Brussels Zaventem Airport for the upcoming winter season. The airline cites high airport charges as the primary reason for this decision. Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, expressed disappointment, stating:
“Sadly, we have zero growth in Zaventem due to their higher airport charges, which they have increased again this year, making Zaventem more expensive than most competitor airports over Europe.”
This situation highlights the growing disparity between airports that prioritize competitive pricing to stimulate traffic and those that maintain higher fees.
Call for EU ATC Reform
Ryanair has once again called attention to the ongoing issues plaguing Europe’s air traffic control (ATC) system. Despite a 5% decrease in EU flights compared to 2019 levels and fewer French ATC strikes, the continent is experiencing record-breaking ATC delays.
The airline points out that over the past three years, Europe’s ATC fees have risen by 21%, while staffing and service levels continue to decline. This troubling trend has led to thousands of flight delays and cancellations, frustrating passengers and airlines alike.
Ursula von der Leyen’s Re-election
While Ryanair welcomes Ursula von der Leyen’s re-election as President of the EU Commission, the airline is urging her to take immediate action on ATC reform. O’Leary emphasized the urgency of the situation: “It is completely unacceptable that thousands of EU flights continue to be delayed or cancelled by ATC staff shortages and mismanagement.
Ursula von der Leyen and the new EU Commission must act now to reform Europe’s failing ATC system, to deliver an efficient and competitive ATC service for the benefit of EU passengers and airlines.”
The airline industry hopes that von der Leyen’s second term will bring about meaningful changes to improve Europe’s aviation competitiveness and reliability. As Ryanair continues to expand its route network from airports like Brussels Charleroi, the call for ATC reform grows louder.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the EU Commission can address these pressing issues and create a more efficient, competitive air travel environment for all Europeans.
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