“France Air Traffic Control Strikes 2024: 70% of Flights Cancelled – How Will It Affect You?”
Air Traffic Control Strikes Hit France Flights
STRIKES in France this week are set to cancel as many as 70 per cent of inbound and outbound flights – and they will also affect people due to fly through the country. Passengers have been warned about “major disruption” and a “huge impact” as air traffic controllers (ATC) are planning walkouts tomorrow (Thursday, April 25).
Major Disruption Expected
French airports and international flights face disruption during the strikes, with further action also planned in May. Workers are staging the walkouts to protest the restructuring of their services. The strikes are due to last 24 hours, with the local press in France describing it as a “journée noir” (black day) for the country’s air services.
Record Turnout Expected
The SNCTA union, who represent more than 60 per cent of France’s ATC staff, told the French press that they are expecting a “record turnout” for the strikes. A spokesperson told AFP: “People should expect major disruption and long delays.”
Affect on Flight Routes
Flights that need to enter French airspace will likely also be affected – even if they do not take off or land in the country. This is because ATC workers are needed to guide flights through French airspace. Therefore, flights due to fly over or through France en route to their destinations will have to go around it, adding time onto their journeys and delaying flight schedules.
Ongoing Strikes and Outlook
The strikes come despite an agreed ‘Olympic truce’ to cancel any industrial action until the end of the games, which will be held in Paris this summer. Tomorrow’s strikes aren’t the only ones threatening to disrupt French air travel, with further strikes planned for May.
Significant Impact Anticipated
However, the strike is expected to be “very strongly followed” according to Pascal de Izaguirre, head of FNAM, a large group of French aviation industry unions. He explained that 75 per cent of flights could be cancelled at Paris Orly airport and 65 per cent at Charles de Gaulle. Meanwhile, France’s DGAC aviation authority has also told airlines to cut 60 per cent of flights at both Toulouse and Nice airports, and 50 per cent at other regional transport hubs. Mr de Izaguirre added: “It will have a huge impact.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ongoing strikes in France are causing significant disruptions to air travel, with a high percentage of flights expected to be cancelled. Passengers are advised to stay informed and make necessary arrangements to minimize inconvenience during this period of turbulence in French airspace. Stay tuned for further updates on the situation and plan your travel accordingly.