Ryanair has warned that it may have to cancel up to 600 flights per day next week due to planned strikes by French air traffic control (ATC) staff. The airline's chief executive, Michael O'Leary, said the industrial action, scheduled from 7 to 10 October, could affect up to 100,000 passengers.
The strikes, called by the SNCTA, the largest French ATC union, will reduce capacity across western European airspace. Flights from the UK to France and holiday destinations such as Spain, Italy and Greece are expected to be affected, as many routes overfly France.
O'Leary reiterated calls for the European Union to protect overflights during ATC strikes, arguing that cancellations should be limited to flights arriving at or departing from French airports. He suggested that Eurocontrol, which oversees Europe's independent ATC services, could manage overflights during strikes.
Ryanair has already experienced disruption from French ATC strikes this month. On Thursday, about 30 Ryanair flights were cancelled, including some overflying France, due to a strike by smaller unions. Two weeks ago, on 18 September, more than 190 flights carrying 35,000 passengers were delayed for hours during another French strike.
O'Leary criticised European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, saying: 'We cannot have a situation in the EU where we have a single market yet we close that market every time the French go on strike.' He added that if von der Leyen is not willing to defend the single market and protect overflights, 'she should go'.
Other airlines have also raised concerns about ATC-related disruption, including post-Covid staff shortages and technical glitches, which have contributed to flight delays across Europe. The closure of Ukrainian and Russian airspace has further constrained flight paths, leading to increased regulation and delays.
