The Situation:
Air travel authorities in Poland are warning travelers of possible flight delays and cancellations at Warsaw Chopin Airport due to a protest and walk outs by flight controllers.
The protest is in reaction to changes made to the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency as well as to allegations that it was not properly ensuring airspace security. The controllers have also criticized the new salary system.
Of the 216 flight controllers at Warsaw's Frederic Chopin Airport, 44 quit last month and another 130 are threatening to quit this month. A new head of the regulatory body was appointed 31 March and negotiations are continuing.
On 9 April, several arrivals and departures were delayed by an average of 30 minutes at the airport due to shortages in the control tower's staff. Poland's Civil Aviation Authority has posted a warning that flights may be delayed or cancelled in the coming days.
Possible Effects:
Cancelled, delayed, or rerouted flights, possibly with little to no notice
Possible demonstrations at airports
Increased security personnel
Mitigating Factors to Apply:
Prepare for disruptions caused by protests, such as increased traffic and security, blocked roads, and potential travel into demonstration sites (i.e. airports and near government buildings)
Check the local situation (local and social media, embassy, POC at the destination, etc.) prior to travel
Confirm your flight status prior to departing to the airport
Avoid all protests and demonstration, which have the possibility of turning violent and may serve as a catalyst for Covid-19 spread
Allow extra time to travel to/from the destination, airport, and accommodations
Monitor local and social media for updates
Enroll in a Safe Traveler program to receive warnings from your preferred embassy
Plan for alternative transportation, if necessary
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless Disclaimer: LSDS™ gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS™ (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.