Scrap bonus for Air Traffic control boss unless passengers get compensation

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

• Lib Dems call for head of Air Traffic Control Services Martin Rolfe to be denied any bonus pay after mass disruption hits UK airports 

• Mr Rolfe received £1.4 million in pay this year including a £281,000 annual bonus

Air Traffic control boss, Martin Rolfe should not be entitled to any bonuses unless passengers are fully compensated for missed flights following the travel chaos that has struck UK airports this week, say the Lib Dems. 

This year, Mr Rolfe’s basic annual pay of £477,000 was boosted by £281,000 in a yearly bonus, alongside pension bonuses and a backdated £555,000 on a long-term incentive plan. This comes on top of a £1.2m bonus he received last year.

The Liberal Democrat’s call comes as thousands of passengers this week have been stranded at airports after a “technical issue” hit UK Air Traffic Control and limited the number of planes landing. 

The party has also called on the government to initiate a COBRA meeting so Ministers can finally get to grips with the ongoing chaos.

Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson, Wera Hobhouse MP said:

“The chaos this week has been a disaster for thousands of people who are counting on reliable air travel and those at the top must take responsibility. 

“No-one should be left out of pocket through no fault of their own. Martin Rolfe should not receive any bonuses unless affected passengers receive compensation from those responsible.

“Ministers have led a pitiful response to this disruption, with thousands of families' holidays ruined and left to pick up the bill for other people’s failings. 

“That has to change. Until it does, bonuses leading to million pound pay packets need to be withheld. Anything less would be a slap in the face to all those caught up in this week’s mayhem.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Martin Rolfe’s pay can be found on Page 63 Annual Report and Accounts 2023 | NATS.

Martin Rolfe received a £1.2m bonus last year - reported here.