Negotiations underway to resolve staff shortages in air traffic control after Cork chaos 

Talks between AirNav Ireland and Fórsa union as concerns raised about the potential for travel chaos at Irish airports

All traffic at Cork Airport was suspended between midnight and 7am last Wednesday. File picture

Negotiations are under way to resolve air traffic controller staff shortages, transport minister Darragh O'Brien has said.

Mr O’Brien has said direct talks are under way between AirNav Ireland — the semi-State responsible for air-traffic management — and Fórsa on issues surrounding staffing levels.

The talks come as concerns have been raised about the potential for travel chaos at Irish airports, due to previous closures of Irish airspace in Dublin, Cork and Shannon.

Staff shortages of air traffic controllers have shut down the northern runway in Dublin Airport 11 times this year, while both Shannon and Cork have been shut once.

However, last Wednesday’s airspace closure in Cork was the longest, with all traffic at Cork Airport suspended between midnight and 7am.

It saw a flight being diverted to Shannon at 1am and four flights from Cork Airport being delayed.

In a statement on Sunday, Mr O’Brien said he is paying “close attention” to the matter.

“Our primary focus is on ensuring the smooth operation of our airports and minimising disruption to passengers.

“The priority for AirNav is the safe operation of Irish airspace. AirNav is currently engaging with Fórsa on issues such as staffing levels through the company’s internal dispute resolution board mechanism.

“That process must be respected and allowed to run its course. It would be inappropriate to comment further while that engagement is under way.” 

Concerns have been raised that shortages of air traffic controllers could cause chaos at airports, particularly over the busy  summer months.

The disruption at Cork Airport was caused after one air traffic controller was unable to attend work, with a source telling the Irish Examiner that they had given AirNav Ireland reasonable notice to arrange cover.

However, they said due to tensions with AirNav Ireland over staffing levels and pension entitlements, the shift could not be covered.