On July 3 and July 4, amid the busy summer travel season, French air traffic controllers (ATC) went on strike to spark industry changes in France. UNSA-ICNA, France’s second-largest air traffic controllers’ union, participated in the strike. According to CNBC, the workers protested due to industry-wide understaffing, outdated technology, and toxic management. Another French air traffic controller union, USAC-CGT, added the country’s civil aviation agency, DGAC, doesn’t comprehend its workers’ frustration.
The DGAC reportedly requested that airlines cancel up to 50% of their flight schedules, depending on the region or city in France. Moreover, the agency allegedly requested that travelers make alternative flight arrangements if possible.
“Despite these preventative measures, disturbances and significant delays are to be expected at all French airports,” the DGAC stated, per CNBC.
More On The French Air Traffic Controllers’ Strike
Air France, British Airways, EasyJet, and Lufthansa reportedly canceled flights, switched flights to larger aircraft, or reduced or adapted their flight schedules.
Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-budget carrier, announced that it canceled 170 flights, affecting the travel plans of over 30,000 passengers. The airline noted that the strike would also disrupt “overflights,” which are flights passing through France’s airspace while journeying to their destination. By stating that, Ryanair emphasized that the French controllers’ strike had a broader impact on European flight operations.
The airline referred to the French air traffic controllers’ strike as “recreational.” That said, Ryanair and its CEO, Michael O’Leary, directly requested that the European Commission’s President, Ursula von der Leyen, tackle ATC understaffing and initiate widespread industry reform.
“Once again, European families are held to ransom by French Air Traffic Controllers going on strike,” O’Leary criticized. “It is not acceptable that overflights over French airspace en route to their destination are being canceled/delayed as a result of yet another French ATC strike. It makes no sense and is abundantly unfair to EU passengers and families going on holidays.”
What Has The Strike’s Impact Been?
Travel and Tour World reported that the strike has resulted in nearly 1,500 flight cancellations, affecting almost 300,000 travelers in Europe and causing air travel disruptions. Moreover, according to the publication, Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais airports have all faced interferences.
The source claimed that another French air traffic controller strike occurred on July 5. It is anticipated that future strikes may occur.
To best navigate their travel plans, travelers in Europe should consider getting travel insurance for their trips. Additionally, they should thoroughly read the compensation and rebooking policies of the airlines they’ll be flying with, in case of cancellations or delays.
