Poland: Major flight disruptions likely from May 1 if air traffic controllers carry out threat of mass resignation

Event

Polish authorities are preparing for major flight disruptions starting May 1 as the country's air traffic controllers have threatened to carry out a mass resignation on that date due to a labor dispute. Should the mass resignation occur, authorities will greatly limit the operating hours and number of flights that can operate at the country's major airports, including its main hub, Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW). Polish flag carrier LOT Polish Airlines (LO) has said that it will have to cancel or reschedule up to 75 percent of its flights if the dispute is not resolved before May 1.

If the country's air traffic controllers resign en masse, flights to and from Warsaw would only be allowed between 09:30 and 17:00, and the rate of flights would be limited during those hours. Authorities would prioritize flights to selected destinations, most of which are major European cities, and would also prioritize flights to and from WAW. These priorities mean that operations at the secondary Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) would likely be very limited. The resignations would also likely severely disrupt flights at other Polish airports.

Additionally, travelers at Polish airports would likely experience long lines at check-in and customer service desks.

The Polish government is still negotiating with the air traffic controllers' union in an attempt to avert the mass resignation. If a deal is not reached before May 1, nearly 90 percent of the country's air traffic controllers are likely to resign.

Advice

Consider rescheduling flights to arrive in or depart from Poland before May 1, if possible. Consider using other modes of transportation for travel in Poland. Confirm all flights. Do not travel to the airport unless onward transportation is confirmed. Allow for extra time to transit through airports.