Talks between the EU Commission and French ATC unions breakdown
European Airlines are warning passengers that they face severe disruption as French air traffic controllers go on strike once again over pay and conditions.
Ryanair has already cancelled hundreds of flights and other airlines are likely to follow suit as the strike, which started at 18:00hrs today takes hold.
In a statement, Ryanair said: “Ryanair regrets that it has been forced to cancel a number of flights on Thursday (22 Mar) to/from/over France. Affected customers have been notified and advised of their options by email and SMS text message to the contact details provided at the time of booking. Further cancellations are possible and delays likely as French ATC unions yet again close the skies over Europe.” and it called on the French Government and European Commission to “take immediate action to prevent the skies over Europe being closed yet again”.
Jet2.com said it would continue to do everything it could to operate as close to a normal schedule as possible during the industrial action, whilst Easyjet confirmed it is reducing its schedule.
Flybe has cancelled 10 flights from Manchester & Birmingham for Thursday 22nd March.
British Airways said they were facing significant disruption but added: “We are doing our best to reduce the levels of disruption and are offering our customers who are due to fly to/from France, Madrid or Barcelona during the strike period, the chance to rebook their flight if they no longer wish to travel even if their flight is still scheduled to operate.”
The industrial action doesn’t just affect flights to France but flights to other parts of Europe including Spain where flights usually operate through French airspace.
The strikes are as a result of a breakdown in talks between the EU Commission and French ATC unions over planned labour reforms.
Passengers are advised to check with their airline if they are due to travel to Europe tomorrow, especially France or Spain.
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