Erdogan urges immediate action on air traffic controllers’ strike

Increasing flight delays in civil aviation have recently become a major topic of discussion. Reports indicate that the air traffic controllers’ decision to implement a “no initiative” work system as part of their action plan is one of the primary causes.

The controllers are demanding improvements in their working conditions. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan instructed, “Resolve this issue urgently, do whatever is necessary, and hold those responsible accountable.”

Flight delays and impact on tourism

At the meeting, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy emphasized the negative impact of the controllers’ passive action on tourism and the urgent need for a solution.

Ersoy observed that flight delays significantly impact Antalya and Sabiha Gokcen Airports, resulting in a decrease in daily landings from an average of 45 to 30. This results in a 7-8 minute delay per flight, which has significant financial repercussions.

Ersoy emphasized that this issue has been affecting the system since June, prompting Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu to commit to resolving the matter.

Government response and measures

A cabinet member reportedly stated, “They are already receiving high salaries. If we provide additional benefits, ground services staff and other personnel will also demand the same and may go on strike.

We cannot allow this. They’re using the state as leverage. If they do not want to work, we will hire new staff.

No one should believe that they can manipulate the state through threats. We will recruit and train new employees if necessary.”

Ongoing actions

The Air Traffic Controllers and Other Transportation Workers Union (HTK-SEN) has announced new dates for their action plan, which began on Thursday. The union has declared that their actions will continue until August 5.

“Air traffic controllers are increasing costs across Europe,” the union stated in a statement.

“The demands for improving the professional conditions and personal rights of our air traffic controllers can be met without adding any burden to the state budget (zero cost) and can provide additional tax revenue for our treasury, a few simple amendments to existing laws can easily address these demands,” the union said.