The top holiday hotspots where flight chaos will be worse this summer

BRIT holidaymakers are being warned of flight chaos this summer with top holiday hotspots set to be affected.

Air traffic is expected to become overloaded at many key locations across Europe.

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Eurocontrol, the air traffic management body for Europe, issued the warning as the peak summer season got underway.

Despite summer holidays only just taking off, the European body expects to experience “high overloads” of traffic in key regions.

These “overloads” can result in delays as aircrafts are likely to fly longer routes to avoid constricted areas.

Holiday hotspots that are set to be impacted include Reims and Marseilles in France, Athens in Greece, and Budapest in Hungary.

Other warnings were also issued for London, Barcelona, Brussels Nicosia, Warsaw, and Zagreb.

Delays are expected during the weekends and on Fridays throughout the summer period.

Raúl Medina, Eurocontrol’s director-general, said: “This summer in Europe is challenging as we have less available airspace because of the war in Ukraine and the military needs.

“We need everyone to play their part. Airports need to be well staffed, it is vital [air traffic services] provide enough capacity and airlines stick to their schedules.”

Holidaymakers who are delayed should aim to know their passenger rights.

For delayed flights departing from the UK or EU, travellers are protected by the Denied Boarding Regulation.

If a flight has been delayed by more than an established amount of time – two hours for flights less than 1500km, three hours for flights 1500km – 3500km, and four hours for flights of more than 3500km – the airline has a duty to look after its passengers. 

Delayed holidaymakers who make purchases in the airport while waiting for their flight should keep their receipts.

This is because the money can be claimed by the airline at a later date.

A fixed benefit form needs to be filled in for travel delay cover, to help cover the costs of expenses, such as food and drink, during airport waits.

It’s also worth being prepared ahead of time and packing essentials like a spare change of clothes, snacks, phone chargers, toiletries, and entertainment.

And before you travel, it’s worth investing in travel insurance that provides cover for travel delays.

In the UK, airlines are obliged to look after passengers after a particular delay period, while most travel insurance policies provide additional cover for travel uncertainty.

And here’s how you can claim compensation if your flight is delayed.

Meanwhile, these passengers were stranded for two days at the airport.

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