Ryanair boss blasts Ryanair Blasts EU President over "Worst in Europe’" French ATC Delays. Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK Ryanair has launched yet another sharp attack on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, accusing her of failing to reform Europe's air traffic control system and calling on her to "deliver or resign."
In a letter sent to the Commission president on July 9, 2026, the airline enclosed a report from the French Senate that it says describes French air traffic control as "the worst in Europe." Ryanair claims delays caused by French air traffic control increased by 60% in 2025 compared with 2019, while costing European airlines an estimated €800 million.
The airline is urging the European Commission to introduce two key reforms: require all European air traffic control providers to be fully staffed for the first wave of morning departures or face financial penalties, and protect overflights during national air traffic control strikes to reduce disruption across Europe.
Ryanair boss blasts Ryanair Blasts EU President over "Worst in Europe’" French ATC Delays. Photo: SHUTTERSTOCKRyanair CEO Michael O'Leary accused von der Leyen of making repeated speeches about European competitiveness without delivering meaningful reforms. He also criticized the lack of progress since the publication of the 2024 Draghi Report, which proposed measures to strengthen the EU's competitiveness.
The airline additionally renewed its criticism of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), arguing that intra-EU flights remain subject to carbon costs while many non-EU flights are exempt.