Airlines including EasyJet and Ryanair have warned that hundreds of thousands of passengers could face delays and cancellations as French air traffic controllers prepare to strike from October 7 to October 10. The industrial action, called by the SNCTA union, is over pay and management of the air traffic control system.
The union has complained of “mistrust, punitive practices, and harsh managerial methods” from bosses. Similar strikes in July caused around 3,000 flight cancellations, affecting approximately 50,000 passengers, and delays on over 10% of flights that did operate, averaging 40 minutes. Eurocontrol estimated the cost to the industry at £104 million.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said around 600 flights a day could be cancelled, affecting 100,000 passengers. He criticised the impact on overflights that do not land in France, calling for protection of such flights during strikes. EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis echoed this, urging the French aviation authority to build resilience into the system and protect overflying aircraft.
Airlines will not know which specific flights are affected until just before the strike begins. Both carriers have advised passengers to expect severe disruption and are working to minimise the impact.
