A strike by French air traffic controllers (ATC) has entered its second day, causing significant disruption with numerous delays and cancellations for thousands of travelers. This strike coincides with one of the busiest months for air travel, raising alarm among airlines and passengers alike. Airlines for Europe (A4E) reported that on July 3 and 4 alone, around 1,500 flights were canceled, affecting over 300,000 passengers. Ryanair has been particularly vocal, urging EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take immediate action in light of the industrial action, which continues to disrupt not just flights originating in France but also those crossing French airspace.
The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has responded to the strike by requesting a reduction in airport capacity, further exacerbating the situation. As a result, Ryanair reported the cancellation of approximately 400 flights, impacting over 70,000 passengers traveling to and from destinations such as the UK, Spain, Greece, and Ireland. Additionally, budget carrier EasyJet announced it had to cancel 274 flights due to the ongoing walkout. This strike particularly affects families attempting to start their summer holidays, as it coincides with the peak travel season in France.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary condemned the strikes, stating that European families are being “held to ransom” by the French ATC. He emphasized that this disruption extends beyond flights landing in France, as overflights are also experiencing delays and cancellations. O’Leary criticized the acceptability of such disruptions, highlighting the need for reforms in EU air traffic control to ensure sufficient staffing and protect overflights during strikes, which he claims could mitigate up to 90% of ATC-related delays.
The unrest has been labeled “intolerable” by A4E, which pointed out that French ATC has garnered a reputation for being one of the weakest links in Europe’s air traffic system, resulting in heightened delays. According to reports, ATC-related delays in June increased by 115% compared to the previous year, prompting concern among European officials. The European Transport Commissioner has called for action on this issue, stressing that member states must take accountability for improving ATC services.
The A4E has proposed several measures aimed at preventing future disruptions, including mandatory arbitration before unions can threaten strikes, advance strike notifications, and provisions for protecting overflights without compromising local arrivals and departures. There is also a push for passengers to have a right of redress against Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) for the impact of such disruptions. These initiatives are seen as essential steps to safeguard passenger rights and ensure smoother operations within the European airspace.
In conclusion, the current strike by French air traffic controllers not only highlights the ongoing challenges within the European aviation sector but also prompts critical discussions about necessary reforms. With tens of thousands of travelers impacted, the call for urgent action resonates strongly across the industry, as stakeholders seek to address the vulnerabilities in air traffic control systems. Without decisive reform and a commitment to efficient and reliable air travel, such strikes are likely to continue to disrupt travel plans for countless passengers during peak periods.
