Tens of thousands of passengers across Europe have found their holiday travel plans in disarray due to a French air traffic control strike that has disrupted major flight routes. The strike, which began on Thursday and is expected to continue through Friday, has led to significant flight cancellations in France and ripple effects across the continent.
Budget airline Ryanair, one of the hardest hit carriers, announced the cancellation of over 170 flights, impacting the travel plans of more than 30,000 passengers. The airline voiced frustration over what it sees as an ongoing issue with French airspace shutdowns caused by domestic labor disputes, even when flights are simply passing over France.
Strike Causes Widespread Disruption
Two prominent French air traffic control unions, including the UNSA-ICNA, initiated the two-day walkout, citing concerns over working conditions, staffing shortages, and controversial management plans to introduce a clock-in system for controllers. According to France's civil aviation authority (DGAC), the strike has resulted in the cancellation of around 25% of flights at Paris airports, and up to 50% at Nice airport.
The impact has not been confined to French airports alone. Airlines operating across the UK, Ireland, Spain, Greece, and other parts of Europe reported knock-on delays and cancellations due to the closure of French airspace. This situation has drawn criticism from both airlines and government officials, as the timing coincides with one of the busiest summer holiday periods.
Ryanair and Airlines React
Ryanair’s outspoken CEO, Michael O’Leary, didn’t hold back, accusing French air traffic controllers of "holding European families to ransom." He argued that it was completely unfair that domestic strikes in France continue to affect flights not even landing in the country.
"It makes no sense and is abundantly unfair on EU passengers going on holidays," O’Leary said, demanding that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen take urgent action to prevent such large-scale disruptions in the future. He called for minimum service guarantees during strikes and protection for overflights passing through French airspace.
Other airlines, including EasyJet, also voiced deep frustration. The low-cost carrier issued a statement expressing "deep disappointment" and called for a swift resolution. Airlines for Europe (A4E), a leading industry body, described the strike as “intolerable” and warned of severe consequences during the height of the summer travel season.
Government and Regulatory Response
France’s Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot denounced the strike as "unacceptable," criticizing both the demands made by the unions and their decision to disrupt travel during a crucial period. He emphasized the broader impact on European connectivity and holiday travel, calling for dialogue but also action to protect air transport continuity.
The DGAC has asked airlines to cut back flight schedules at major French airports to reduce the pressure on airspace and minimize last-minute cancellations. Additional disruption is expected to worsen on Friday, with the DGAC predicting up to 40% fewer flights departing from Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais airports.
Impact Beyond France
This is not the first time French air traffic control strikes have affected the rest of Europe. France’s strategic location means that many flight paths over the continent rely on the country’s airspace. Even if flights are merely transiting over France, they may be delayed or canceled if staffing is insufficient to guide them through.
Ryanair has long campaigned for policy changes that would force French authorities to ensure uninterrupted passage for overflights during strikes. The airline is now intensifying that campaign and calling for legal protections for non-French flights caught in the crossfire of domestic disputes.
More Than Just One Problem
While the strike is the current focus, Ryanair also revealed that broader issues have been impacting its operations. The airline said that conflict in the Middle East had already forced the cancellation of over 800 flights in June alone. However, it still managed to operate over 109,000 flights last month, meaning less than 1% of its total schedule was affected.
Nonetheless, the timing of the French strike – right as holiday season peaks – has amplified frustration among passengers and airline executives alike.
Call for Urgent Reform
In an appeal to European regulators, Ryanair has asked for immediate reforms to ensure flights over French territory are protected during national labor strikes. The airline also called for air traffic control teams to be fully staffed during peak flight times, especially early morning departures, to avoid bottlenecks.
O'Leary stated, “Once again, European families are held to ransom by French air traffic controllers going on strike. It is not acceptable that overflights over French airspace en route to their destinations are being cancelled or delayed as a result.”
As talks between unions and the DGAC continue to stall, passengers across Europe are left hoping for quick resolution — or at least better protection from the fallout of domestic labor actions in one country that routinely impacts the entire region.
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