Expect flight delays again this summer: How to prepare for travel disruptions
Travellers planning to fly this summer should brace for potential delays and cancellations across Europe, including Hungary. Experts warn that labour shortages in aviation may once again lead to widespread travel disruptions, similar to the chaos seen in recent years.
Delays and disruptions should still be expected
According to HungaroControl, the Hungarian air traffic authority, air traffic over Hungary is projected to rise by 8–12%, with traffic at Budapest Airport expected to grow by up to 15% compared to last year, the Egek Ura blog writes. Passenger volumes have already been rising steadily since 2022.
To avoid a repeat of last year’s issues, both HungaroControl and Hungary’s largest airline, Wizz Air, have taken preventive measures. HungaroControl has increased its air traffic controller workforce, recruited specialists from abroad, reinstated former staff, and implemented flexible shift systems. The authority has also upgraded its technology and adjusted airspace use to handle more flights simultaneously.
Wizz Air’s improvements
According to Blikk’s report, Wizz Air has introduced several operational improvements:
- A 24/7 crisis coordination team to manage flight operations, ground handling, and communications.
- Reserve flight crews stationed at key airports.
- A more gradual departure schedule for early morning flights to prevent cascading delays.
- A simplified timetable, fleet expansion, and added routes to ease aircraft substitution.
- Enhanced automation in the Wizz Air app and customer service.
- Prioritisation of once- or twice-weekly holiday routes to popular destinations, ensuring these flights are not cancelled due to their limited availability.
Despite these efforts, aviation law expert Péter Bokor from Késettagépem.hu advises cautious optimism. He acknowledges the improvements but stresses that passengers should remain vigilant and well-prepared. Bokor recommends that travellers familiarise themselves with their rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 and visit the Your Europe website or download the corresponding app for detailed, multilingual guidance.
Here’s how to prepare
Passengers should also prepare for worst-case scenarios. This includes having extra money, clothes, medication, and toiletries in case of overnight airport stays. While airlines are legally obligated to provide care during disruptions, this doesn’t always happen in practice, though related expenses can be reimbursed afterwards.
Customer service remains a weak point. Bokor notes that many airlines, including Lufthansa and Ryanair, still lack Hungarian-language phone support, and even English-speaking lines can be unhelpful. Automated chat tools with translation features are increasingly useful alternatives.
Ultimately, Bokor emphasises that while some improvements have been made, airline customer service has not become more responsive or fairer than a year ago. Travellers are advised to stay informed and proactive to minimise stress during their journeys this summer.
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