Brussels, 08/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - The extremely cold spell of weather currently affecting Europe has brought with it flight delays and cancellations. However, European airports are far from experiencing the chaos of winter 2010-2011, when large numbers of passengers were stuck, unable to find any information on their flights or returns. If, in general terms, things are much better this year, it is because everyone has worked so hard to be ready, following recommendations from European Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas who has made it clear over the last few months that the aviation sector had to raise its game. The Commission is now able to report that the effort put in has brought results in both infrastructure and procedures: new equipment has made de-icing and snow clearing quicker and more efficient. There has also been better coordination between airports and other players, including ground handlers. Coordination between the network manager, Eurocontrol, and national air traffic managers has improved, too, making it possible to manage available capacity on the network more efficiently and, where necessary, assist the diversion and priority repositioning of flights. Passengers have also been better informed, in real time, by both airlines and airports, sometimes by means of social networks, though things are not yet 100% perfect, acknowledged the transport commissioner's spokeswoman.
“Snow does not obey any rules. But winter does come every year and we should be prepared for it”, she added, quoting Kallas. There are further improvements to be expected in 2012 and beyond, but, in normal winter conditions, “passengers have every right to be able to travel on time and safely to their destinations”, she added. (MD/transl.rt)