It's turning into a summer of chaos for the airline industry. Staffing shortages across the board have led to cancellations, delays, and long-term reductions in flights.

Low-cost carrier Wizz Air has just announced a 5 percent cut in its capacity throughout the high season. They claim staffing numbers are too low to carry out a full service.

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British Airways, Lufthansa and KLM have all cancelled services for similar reasons.

Ryanair strikes

Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers, Ryanair, faces more industrial action from its Spanish cabin crew staff. Those most affected are the staff hired through recruitment agencies.

They say the Irish airline doesn't respect basic employment law and refuses to pay the minimum wage. 

Spain's Transport Ministry imposed a 'minimum service law' that around 80 percent of Ryanair flights must be operational. This is, they claim, to protect the tourism industry but those striking feel let down.

Manuel Lodeiro is vice president of SITCPLA, the union of Spanish cabin crew workers. He told CGTN Europe Ryanair's attitude was very frustrating.

"We don't understand how the Spanish government can expose us to the poor working conditions that we have in Spain."

The unions have now called for 12 more days of strikes, including 24-hour stoppages throughout July. This collective action is designed to cause disruption - in the hope of bringing the airline to the negotiating table.

The unions claim more than 200 flights were cancelled with more than 1,200 delays last week.

The airline bosses have taken a tough stand against them, but Manuel Lodeiro says they're beginning to drum up more support across Europe.

"Airline pilots are also willing to strike in France and Belgium. We have talked to our colleagues in the UK, and they are considering voting to go on strike in August."