Will French air traffic control strikes affect my flight?
UP to 70 per cent of flights to and from France are set to be cancelled this week due to strikes.
Those travelling are being warned they may not get to their destination as a result of air traffic controllers (ATC) walkouts.
Why are French air traffic control striking?
French air traffic control are striking to protest against the restructuring of their services.
The strikes are due to go on for 24 hours and 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”.
Local press in France are dubbing the day as “journée noir” (black day).
A spokesperson told AFP: “People should expect major disruption and long delays.”
Is my flight affected by the French air traffic control strikes?
If you’re due to fly into France then it is important that you check with your airline whether your flight has been cancelled.
Flights that also need to enter French airspace may be affected – even if they do not take off or land in the country.
This is due to ATC workers guiding flights through French airspace.
Flights flying over or through France en route to their destinations will have to go around it which will increase journey times and delay flight schedules.
Full list of areas affected
It hasn’t been confirmed how many flights are set to be cancelled by as the French civil aviation authority are working out how many ATC staff members they will be without.
Pascal de Izaguirre, head of FNAM, a large group of French aviation industry unions said that 75 per cent of flights could be cancelled at Paris Orly airport and 65 per cent at Charles de Gaulle.
France’s DGAC aviation authority has told airlines to cut 60 per cent of flights at both Toulouse and Nice airports, and 50 per cent at other regional transport hubs.
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said: “French air traffic controllers are free to go on strike, that’s their right, but we should be cancelling French flights, not flights leaving Ireland, going to Italy, or flights from Germany to Spain or Scandinavia to Portugal.
“We can’t have the skies over Europe repeatedly closed because French Air Traffic Controllers are going on strike.
“Protect overflights during national ATC strikes, reduce flight cancellations and disruptions and let’s have a better summer for all of Europe’s citizens and visitors.”
EasyJet told Sun Online Travel: “Due to national air traffic control strike action in France on Thursday 25 April, the French authorities (DGAC) have requested that all airlines make significant cancellations to their flying programmes, with overflights also expected to be impacted by the action.
“Any customers whose flights are impacted by this have been notified in advance and offered the option to change their flight for free or receive a refund.”
Everything you need to know about visiting France
- Brits need to have a passport with at least three months left on it.
- No visas are needed for anyone staying up to 90 days within an 180-day period but you need to make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- You may also need to show proof of accommodation and funds, around €120 a day.
- The country uses the euro with with around €10 working out to £8.55.
- France is one hour ahead of the UK
- Direct flights to France from the UK take between 1-4 hours depending on the destination
- Or you can travel by train with Eurostar, with destinations including Paris or Lille.
Can I claim compensation for flight delay or cancellation due to strikes?
It is important to check directly with your airline whether you are entitled to any compensation.
Some airlines may allow you to move your flight for free ahead of your original date due to planned strikes.
Compensation will usually depend on whether the issue is the fault of airline, such as mechanical issues and staff shortages.
However airlines don’t always have to provide a refund on flights, particularly those affected by factors outside their control.