The ongoing strike by French air traffic controllers has caused chaos at Paris airports, with about 40% of flights being canceled on Friday. This has left tens of thousands of passengers scrambling to rearrange their travel plans during the peak summer season.
The disruptions began on Thursday and have only intensified as the strike continues. The national civil aviation authority has advised airlines to cancel a significant number of flights at major airports such as Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais in Paris, as well as in Nice, Marseille, Lyon, and other cities across France. Despite these preemptive cancellations, the authority has warned of widespread disruptions and long delays at all French airports.
Ryanair, one of the affected airlines, has announced the cancellation of over 400 flights, impacting around 70,000 passengers. The strike has affected all flights passing through French airspace and those operating to and from French airports. Ryanair has called for reforms in air traffic rules within the European Union to address the ongoing issues.
The strike, led by unions such as UNSA-ICNA, is primarily driven by concerns over staffing shortages and inadequate pay in the face of increasing air travel. The unions are also protesting against new reform measures that aim to monitor their work more closely following a near-collision incident at Bordeaux airport.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot has criticized the timing of the strike, coinciding with the start of the summer holiday season when many families are looking to travel. He has labeled the union demands and decision to strike as “unacceptable.”
The strike has caused frustration and inconvenience for travelers, highlighting the challenges faced by the aviation industry in France. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates and to make alternative travel arrangements if necessary.
