New measures to disrupt air travel

Irish air travellers will face delays with the introduction of two new air traffic control systems.

European authorities are bringing in measures such as aircraft separation rules and a new air traffic control centre is to be opened in London.

More than 80% of Irish air traffic flies through English airspace but it is predicted that the new centre at Swanwick in London will cause major delays in the opening few weeks of the facility.

Meanwhile the new EU-wide regulations will also cause difficulties.

The measures include a re-organisation of European airspace and new rules for planes flying in the EU.

The simultaneous introduction of the two systems could create havoc amongst Irish air travellers.