What’s causing the recent delays to European flights?

Have a question? Ask our expert Simon Calder

Flight from Porto was more than two hours late (Getty/iStock)

Q I had two flights in quick succession – from Porto to Toulouse and Toulouse to Gatwick – both of which were delayed by two and a half hours. I’ve not really understood the explanations by both pilots. All I wanted them to tell me was if I’d get any compensation! Do you know what’s going on?

David B

A Both pilots, I speculate, described how delays had built up during the day due to air-traffic control hold-ups. It’s a really tricky summer due to relentless capacity growth. Even though the prospect of Brexit has dampened demand for flights between the UK and Europe, there are about 4 or 5 per cent more flights this summer. While there have been plans to reform the skies across Europe for the past 20 years, there has been foot-dragging among some nations that has delayed the whole project.

Add to that chronic staff shortages at air-traffic control centres in Germany, and the summer is looking dismal. And the French controllers – particularly those based at the Marseille area control centre – may well stage another series of strikes. So, as always with air travel, hope for the best but be prepared for delays and disruption.

Compensation payable only for delays in arrival of three hours or more, and then only if the airlines can’t blame someone else. Which, in this case, they can. But for delays on short flights like yours, you should on both occasions have been given refreshments while waiting.

Every day our travel correspondent Simon Calder tackles a reader’s question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder