Irish air traffic strike set to hit flights

Flights to, from and across the Republic of Ireland look set to be hit next week by proposed industrial action from the country's air traffic controllers.

Talks relating to an overtime dispute broke down yesterday (February 20) between the Impact trade union and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), leading to the announcement of a 24-hour strike for next Thursday (February 28).

The industrial action would affect Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports, with the trade union criticising the IAA for not hiring enough air traffic controllers to cover staffing needs.

"Impact regrets that talks with the IAA have failed to produce agreement on sustainable solutions to the chronic staffing shortages, which has made this action necessary."

In a statement, the IAA said: "Safety is the authority's highest priority and we will ensure that aircraft and passenger safety is not jeopardised by any disruptive action by air traffic controllers."

In the event of the strike going ahead, the authority advised passengers flying to or from the affected airports on February 28 to contact their individual airlines.

Last-gasp talks are planned for Monday (February 25) in an attempt to resolve the dispute without the need for industrial action.

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