By Adam Woodward
A two-day strike by French air traffic controllers, organised by the UNSA-ICNA union, has thrown European air travel into chaos, with thousands of flights cancelled and tens of thousands of passengers affected.
The walkout, a result of failed demands for better working conditions, chronic staffing shortages and supposedly outdated equipment, began on Thursday, July 3, and is set to continue through Friday, July 4, which will coincide with the start of the French summer holiday season.
The French civil aviation authority has reported major disruptions at major airports, including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Paris Beauvais, Nice, Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, and Figari. Many airlines were instructed to cut a quarter of flights to and from Paris airports and up to 50 per cent at other major hubs like Nice and Corsica鈥檚 airports. The situation is expected to worsen on Friday, with Paris airports facing 40 per cent flight cancellations and Nice still with a 50 per cent reduction.
Not only France flights affected by air traffic controllers strike
Ryanair alone cancelled 170 flights over the two days, impacting 30,000 passengers, including routes to the UK, Ireland, Greece, and Spain. EasyJet axed 22 flights to and from the UK on Thursday, July 3 and 38 on Friday, July 4, while British Airways adjusted its schedule using larger aircraft to accommodate affected passengers where possible. Air France and other carriers have also scaled back operations.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot called the strike 鈥渢otally unacceptable鈥. He criticised the timing during the busy holiday period and said recent salary increases were agreed upon to prevent disruptions during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The striking unions, representing just over 30 per cent of controllers, argue that staffing shortages and obsolete technology compromise operational safety.
Can I get compensation for French air traffic controllers strike cancellations?
Passengers are advised to check flight statuses via airline websites or apps and ensure their contact details are updated for notifications. Under UK and EU regulations, affected travellers are entitled to a full refund within seven days or an alternative flight, though no compensation is available for air traffic control strikes which are deemed 鈥渆xtraordinary circumstances鈥. Airlines must also assist with rebooking or returning passengers to their original departure point if connecting flights are disrupted.
French air traffic control has warned of 鈥渟ignificant disturbances and delays鈥 nationwide and urged passengers to consider postponing travel where possible, keeping in mind the strike is set to intensify on Friday. Travellers across Europe are bracing for further disruptions.