easyJet has released traffic statistics for June 2018 revealing a 6.6% growth in passenger numbers compared to the previous 12 months.
There were 1,263 cancellations in June 2018 – equivalent to circa 2.7% of planned capacity and up on the 213 experienced in June 2017. Around 900 were due to French and Italian industrial action with a further 150 arising from adverse weather conditions and ATC restrictions.
Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, commented:
“French ATC industrial action has caused considerable disruption to European airspace throughout May and June. We pre-emptively cancelled flights to give customers the time to change their flights free of charge or receive a refund and ensured we provided accommodation for those affected.
“We share passengers’ frustration over the strikes which already this year have resulted in more than 26 strike days causing more than 5,000 flight cancellations with Europe’s major airlines impacting millions of passengers.
“Airlines have suggested a range of practical solutions to mitigate the impact of ATC strikes on passengers and we continue to raise the issue with politicians across Europe.”