Richard Parks Swiss International Air Lines announced it will cancel about 1,400 flights from now until October due to a severe shortage of pilots. This will affect many short-haul routes from Zurich and Geneva across Europe. Some long-haul flights, including services to Shanghai and Chicago, will have reduced frequency. The airline has also suspended its summer route to Hurghada, Egypt, completely. These disruptions come as staffing problems deepen across the European aviation sector.
Swiss said it “deeply regrets” the inconvenience caused to passengers. The airline is taking steps to stabilize operations, including delaying pilot retirements, buying back vacation days, and asking part-time pilots to work more hours. Swiss is also working with the pilot union Aeropers to increase scheduling flexibility and reduce last-minute cancellations due to fatigue. Passengers affected by cancellations will be informed early and rebooked on other flights within the Lufthansa Group or Star Alliance networks. Refunds will be offered when needed.
The pilot shortage is not unique to Swiss. Other European airlines such as KLM, Air France, British Airways, and easyJet face similar challenges. KLM is struggling to staff long-haul flights this summer despite having a record number of pilots on its roster. Rising sick leave and part-time work have lowered their operational capacity. As a temporary measure, Air France pilots will cover some KLM routes, including Amsterdam to New York, through October.
British Airways and easyJet have started major recruitment campaigns, offering attractive packages to attract pilots from competitors or bring retirees back. British Airways even pledged to pay up to €100,000 for pilot training costs for up to 60 new candidates annually. Still, British Airways has cut several summer routes from London, including flights to Santorini, Mykonos, and other Greek and Croatian destinations.
The pilot shortage is a long-term issue worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Training programs paused during the crisis, and many pilots retired early. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S. estimates 4,300 pilots will retire each year until 2042. Europe faces similar challenges and is easing nationality and language rules to widen the hiring pool.
Industry forecasts are concerning. Boeing estimates 674,000 new pilots will be needed globally over the next 20 years. Consultancy Oliver Wyman predicts a shortage of nearly 80,000 pilots worldwide by 2032, with 19,000 of those in Europe alone.
Travelers planning summer trips in Europe should prepare for possible delays and fewer direct flights. Changes in schedules could mean longer layovers and tougher competition for seats. Experts recommend booking early, allowing extra time for connections, and monitoring airline updates closely.
Passengers affected by cancellations have options to rebook or get refunds, but acting quickly is essential to secure preferred alternatives. The ongoing pilot shortage may reshape the flying experience in Europe this summer and for years to come.