logo
More than 1,500 flights cancelled on July 3-4 due to French air traffic controllers' strike

More than 1,500 flights cancelled on July 3-4 due to French air traffic controllers' strike

The Star17 hours ago
PARIS (Reuters) -More than 1,500 flights have been cancelled on July 3-4, affecting nearly 300,000 passengers, due to a strike by French air traffic controllers, European industry lobby Airlines for Europe said in a statement.
"Airlines for Europe (A4E) strongly condemns the French air traffic control (ATC) strike taking place today and tomorrow," it said.
"Tens of thousands of travellers in France and across Europe have seen their summer getaway grounded as French air-traffic controllers walk out during the Grand Départ; one of the busiest periods for summer travel," it added.
(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon and Makini Brice)
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

French air traffic strike disrupts flights for second day in Europe
French air traffic strike disrupts flights for second day in Europe

The Sun

time22 minutes ago

  • The Sun

French air traffic strike disrupts flights for second day in Europe

PARIS: A strike by French air traffic controllers entered its second day on Friday, causing further flight delays and cancellations at the start of Europe's peak travel season. Civil aviation agency DGAC told airlines to cancel 40% of flights at the three main Paris airports on Friday because of the strike, which the air traffic controllers say is over staff shortages and ageing equipment. Up to half of flights at France's other airports, mostly in the south, were also affected, DGAC added. French transport minister Philippe Tabarot called the strike unacceptable. 'The idea is to disturb as many people as possible,' he said in an interview with CNews. Even with the cancellations, DGAC warned that passengers could be affected by delays and significant disruptions. The Airlines for Europe (A4E) lobby group said late on Thursday that 1,500 flights had been cancelled over the two-day strike, affecting 300,000 passengers and causing cascading delays. - Reuters

Air France-KLM to take majority stake in Scandinavian airline SAS
Air France-KLM to take majority stake in Scandinavian airline SAS

New Straits Times

timean hour ago

  • New Straits Times

Air France-KLM to take majority stake in Scandinavian airline SAS

PARIS: Air France-KLM plans to increase its stake in Scandinavian airline SAS to 60.5 per cent, the latest step towards consolidating Europe's fragmented airline sector as carriers seek to strengthen their position against rivals. The French airline group said on Friday it intended to increase its stake from 19.9 per cent currently by acquiring the stakes held by top shareholder Castlelake and Lind Invest. The purchase, subject to regulatory clearances, is expected to close in the second half of 2026, Air France-KLM said. The value of the investment would be determined at closing, based on SAS's latest financial performance, including core earnings (EBITDA) and net debt, added the company. The Scandinavian airline welcomed the announcement, calling it a "defining moment" that marked Air France-KLM's commitment to strengthen SAS. "It brings not just stability but will also allow for deeper industrial integration and the full backing of one of the world's leading airline groups," SAS CEO Anko van der Werff said. "Together, we will be better positioned to deliver greater value to our customers, our colleagues, and the wider region." SAS said it would continue to invest in its fleet and network. In 2023, Air France-KLM said it would invest about US$144.5 million for its initial SAS stake, boosting its presence in Sweden, Denmark and Norway with the option to become a controlling shareholder after a minimum of two years, subject to conditions. SAS exited from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August last year. Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith told Reuters in March that the company was looking to raise its stake in SAS, as the carrier was meeting the necessary milestones, including integration into the SkyTeam airline alliance, of which Air France-KLM is also a member. The two carriers have already had a commercial cooperation since summer 2024. Control of SAS would allow Air France-KLM to expand in the Scandinavian market and create additional value for shareholders, Air France-KLM said in a statement. "Following their successful restructuring, SAS has delivered impressive performance, and we are confident that the airline's potential will continue to grow through deeper integration within the Air France-KLM Group," said Smith. The deal comes as executives seek more consolidation in Europe's fragmented airline industry, which they say is needed to compete with U.S. and Middle Eastern rivals. Earlier this year, Germany's Lufthansa bought a 41 per cent stake in Italy's ITA Airways and a stake in Air Baltic. The Portuguese government is looking to privatise its national carrier TAP Lufthansa and Air France are also in talks about buying a stake in Spanish airline Air Europa. SAS has 138 aircraft in service and carried more than 25 million passengers last year, generating revenues of 4.1 billion euros (US$4.8 billion). Air France-KLM group would have a majority of seats on the board of directors, while the Danish state will keep its 26.4 per cent stake in SAS and its seats on the board.

More than 1,500 flights cancelled on July 3-4 due to French air traffic controllers' strike
More than 1,500 flights cancelled on July 3-4 due to French air traffic controllers' strike

The Star

time17 hours ago

  • The Star

More than 1,500 flights cancelled on July 3-4 due to French air traffic controllers' strike

PARIS (Reuters) -More than 1,500 flights have been cancelled on July 3-4, affecting nearly 300,000 passengers, due to a strike by French air traffic controllers, European industry lobby Airlines for Europe said in a statement. "Airlines for Europe (A4E) strongly condemns the French air traffic control (ATC) strike taking place today and tomorrow," it said. "Tens of thousands of travellers in France and across Europe have seen their summer getaway grounded as French air-traffic controllers walk out during the Grand Départ; one of the busiest periods for summer travel," it added. (Reporting by Dominique Vidalon and Makini Brice)

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store