Travelers across Europe are bracing for disruptions today as French air traffic control workers initiate a strike, prompting flight cancellations and delays. The strike follows unsuccessful negotiations between authorities and some French air traffic control employees.
France’s DGAC civil aviation authority has requested airlines to cancel a significant portion of flights at major airports including Paris Orly, Paris Charles-De-Gaulle, and Marseille. Ryanair, one of Europe’s largest airlines, anticipates over 300 flight cancellations, urging EU officials to intervene and mitigate the impact of labor actions.
Despite the SNCTA, France’s largest air traffic controllers union, calling off the strike after reaching a deal with management, the agreement came too late to avert disruptions. Discussions with other unions were still ongoing, prolonging uncertainties.
A4E, a leading industry group, highlighted the persistent threat of air traffic control strikes in Europe, citing 16,000 flight cancellations and 85,000 delays last year alone. Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential risks posed to the Paris Olympics, as strikes could escalate disruptions during the event.
With millions of travelers expected to transit through Paris during the Games, the impact of strikes could be even more profound. Passengers are advised to monitor flight statuses closely and stay updated through airline communications channels.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges posed by labor disputes in the aviation sector, affecting not only flights within France but also across European airspace.