03-07-2025
Why French Air Traffic controllers went on strike and cancelled 1,500 flights
More than 1,500 flights were cancelled and nearly 300,000 passengers impacted as French air traffic controllers launched a major strike on July 3 and 4, severely affecting summer vacation travel across Europe. The walkout coincided with France's "Grand Dpart," a peak holiday travel carriers, including Ryanair and easyJet were among the worst affected. Ryanair cancelled 170 flights, affecting approximately 30,000 travellers, while easyJet scrapped 274 flights, according to BBC for Europe (A4E), an industry group, condemned the strike. 'Tens of thousands of travellers in France and across Europe have seen their summer getaway grounded,' A4E said in a statement, urging the EU to intervene.
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary accused French unions of "holding families to ransom" and demanded that EU authorities protect overflights during national ARE CONTROLLERS STRIKING? Union leaders cited staffing shortages, ageing equipment, and toxic workplace conditions as key drivers behind the strike. One union official told Reuters that many tools used by controllers are "on their last legs," forcing overburdened teams to manage increased traffic with insufficient Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot condemned the strike's timing but acknowledged the need to address the safety concerns raised by air traffic TRAVELLERS SHOULD DO: Passengers are advised to:Check airline apps for real-time updatesKnow their rights under EU travel rules, which require refunds or rebookingsAvoid transiting through French airports this week, if possibleExperts warn of further disruptions this summer unless sweeping reforms are made to Europe's air traffic system.- Ends
