Whiteley air traffic controller reports drop in flights of almost 90 per cent compared to 2019

AN AIR traffic control centre has reported a staggering drop in air traffic year-on-year.
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The National Air Traffic Services, which is based in Whiteley and Swanwick, published a report showing a drop in air traffic of 89 per cent from the same flying day one year ago.

On Thursday, April 2, NATS handled 832 flights. On the equivalent flying day in the previous year, Thursday, April 4, it handled 7,240.

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Nats’ chief executive Martin Rolfe said: ‘Thinking back through the major crises I’ve worked through during my professional life – from 9/11 and the 2010 ash cloud, through to Sars and the financial crash – nothing has come close to the impact that the Covid-19 outbreak is having on both our industry and own lives in general.’

NATS recorded an 89 per cent decrease in air traffic compared with last year.  Left: air traffic on April 4 in 2019. Right: Traffic on April 2 2020.NATS recorded an 89 per cent decrease in air traffic compared with last year.  Left: air traffic on April 4 in 2019. Right: Traffic on April 2 2020.
NATS recorded an 89 per cent decrease in air traffic compared with last year. Left: air traffic on April 4 in 2019. Right: Traffic on April 2 2020.

Military flights, air ambulance, police and aircraft delivering goods via air freight are still operating, but commercial air travel has taken a large hit across the world.

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The firm is reducing staffing levels where it is safe and appropriate to do so in line with falling traffic, while ensuring controller working positions are cleaned at handover times and between shifts.

At the end of March, air traffic volumes in Germany were also down by 80 per cent, as well as 82 per cent in France, 85 per cent in Spain, and 88 per cent in Italy.

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Mr Rolfe said: ‘This is without a doubt the most challenging situation I have ever experienced in my working life. People are understandably anxious and yet every day I hear of new stories of colleagues supporting each other and finding ways through to make sure we can continue to provide what remains a vital service – crises such as these really do bring out the best in people. I have never been prouder to lead this organisation and know that by working together we will see out this storm.’

The International Air Transport Association has estimated that the UK could see 113.5 million fewer passengers travelling through its airports in 2020, a drop of more than a third compared with 2019.

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