An agreed agenda for talks between the union representing air traffic controllers (ATCs) and their employer AirNav Ireland “creates a realistic opportunity to resolve current staffing and pensions challenges within a structured and time-bound engagement”. That is according to Fórsa, the union representing ATCs, ahead of the talks at the Internal Dispute Resolution Board (IDRB) on Tuesday. The talks follow a total of six airspace closures that have occurred over Irish airports due to staffing shortages at AirNav Ireland this year. In his Dáil reply, Mr O’Brien stated that while overtime remains integral to AirNav’s 24-hour operations, the reliance on overtime is expected to decrease as air traffic controller staffing numbers rise.Mr O’Brien said: “AirNav is actively recruiting and training student air traffic controllers to ensure it has the capacity to meet increased demand.”AirNav expects to train 76 student controllers in 2026. A spokesperson for Air Nav Ireland said: “AirNav Ireland is currently engaged in discussions under the auspices of the IDRB.

Source: Irish Independent March 02, 2026 23:18 UTC