SWISS Airlines Cancels 1,400 Flights, Disrupting UK Travel Amid Pilot Shortage

SWISS Airlines is set to cancel 1,400 flights from April to October 2025, representing 1.5% of its total schedule, primarily due to a shortage of pilots. This move significantly impacts major UK airports such as London Heathrow, Manchester, and Edinburgh, disrupting travel plans for thousands. The airline attributes the cancellations to several factors, including an unexpected number of long-term pilot absences, ongoing retraining for the new Airbus A350 fleet, and a new collective labor agreement that has increased staffing needs by approximately 70 full-time positions. Additionally, fleet challenges, such as engine issues with the Airbus A220, have compounded operational difficulties. SWISS is actively working to mitigate the impact by rebooking affected passengers and plans to hire up to 110 new pilots annually to address the shortage. Travelers are advised to check their flight status and stay informed about potential changes.

Source: blogs.microsoft.com