Shortage of air traffic controllers has already resulted in disruptionsDublin Airport had to restrict runways four times in the last two weeks. Photo: GettyAirNav, the semi-state company that manages Ireland’s airspace, is planning to free up €310m sitting on its balance sheet so it can be made available to pay future dividends to the Exchequer. But the planned capital reduction to pay future dividends to the State comes amid significant staffing issues at AirNav. The Sunday Independent has reported that airline passengers are facing “a summer of chaos” because of the air traffic control staffing crisis. Pat Noctor, the president of the Irish Air Traffic Controllers Association (IATCA), warned that flight cancellations are inevitable.

Source: Irish Independent February 19, 2026 16:06 UTC