A major strike by French air traffic controllers has severely disrupted air travel during the peak of Europe’s summer vacation season. The walkout, driven by demands for better working conditions, led to the cancellation of approximately 40% of flights in and out of Paris on Friday. The disruptions began on Thursday and escalated across major airports in France, with the civil aviation authority issuing flight reduction directives at Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais airports.
Flight Cancellations and Delays Spread Across France, Impacting Europe and International Routes
The strike’s impact extended well beyond Paris. Airports in Nice were instructed to cancel 50% of flights, while Marseille, Lyon, and others were told to cut 30% of their schedules. Despite proactive cancellations, the aviation authority warned of persistent disruptions and significant delays across all French airports. Passengers faced long wait times and a high number of cancellations affecting destinations not only within France but also across Europe, North Africa, and more distant international routes.
French Air Traffic Control Strike Grounds Thousands as Summer Travel Chaos Sweeps EuropeLow-cost airline Ryanair was among the most affected, reporting over 400 flight cancellations and disruptions to 70,000 passengers. The airline criticized the widespread impact of the strike on flights over French airspace, not just those landing or departing in France. Ryanair called on the European Union to reform air traffic control rules to minimize the ripple effects of national strikes on international flights.
Union Cites Staffing, Oversight, and Wages as Stranded Travelers Express Growing Frustration
The UNSA-ICNA union, one of the main organizers of the strike, cited insufficient staffing and inflation-driven wage concerns as key reasons for the walkout. They also objected to proposed reforms intended to increase oversight following a near-accident at Bordeaux airport.
These changes are viewed by controllers as intrusive and poorly timed given the rising demand for air travel. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot condemned the strike’s timing and called the union’s actions unacceptable, especially as it coincides with the start of school holidays.
Passengers across France expressed frustration and helplessness amid the travel chaos. One family from Naples discovered their return flight to Italy was cancelled only after checking in, with no assistance from the airline for accommodation or alternative transport. Meanwhile, Paris resident Patrick Haus, who missed a business trip to Nice, expressed empathy for the strikers despite the disruption. He acknowledged the seriousness of the strike, saying, “people don’t strike for fun.”
