A significant strike by French air traffic controllers has led to the cancellation of over 170 Ryanair flights, affecting around 30,000 passengers currently traveling in and out of France. The two-day strike, instigated by two French unions over working conditions, has resulted in extensive disruption, with Paris airports canceling a quarter of their flights, while Nice International Airport saw half of its services called off. The dispute arises amidst increasing staffing issues, ongoing management concerns, and the controversial introduction of a new clock-in system for air traffic controllers which unions argue exacerbates existing problems.
Ryanair Hit by French Air Traffic Control Strike, 30,000 Passengers Affected
Ryanair Hit by French Air Traffic Control Strike, 30,000 Passengers Affected
More than 170 Ryanair flights canceled in light of ongoing labor unrest in France impacting air travel across Europe.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot criticized the timing of the unions' actions, deeming them unacceptable, especially during a peak holiday season. The strike not only disrupts flights originating or destined for France, but also has cascading effects on flights traversing French airspace to popular destinations such as the UK, Ireland, Spain, and Greece.
Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, vehemently criticized the air traffic controllers for their strike, stating that it unjustly inconveniences European families on holiday. He called for urgent intervention from the European Commission to maintain minimum service levels during such strikes to protect flights over French airspace. In response to the situation, France's civil aviation authority has advised airlines to reduce their flight schedules across multiple airports, indicating the potential for worsening conditions into Friday, with projections showing a 40% reduction in flights from Paris.
Airlines for Europe (A4E), the premier aviation organization in Europe, has labeled the strike "intolerable" and warned that it could severely disrupt travel during the peak holiday season. Other carriers like EasyJet have also expressed their disappointment over the cancellations, calling for a swift resolution. In June, Ryanair reported operating over 109,000 flights while still facing a marked impact due to various disruptions, including the recent conflict in the Middle East, leading to the cancellation of more than 800 flights last month. Despite these challenges, the airline manages to maintain a reliable service record, with cancellations accounting for less than 1% of total flights.
Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, vehemently criticized the air traffic controllers for their strike, stating that it unjustly inconveniences European families on holiday. He called for urgent intervention from the European Commission to maintain minimum service levels during such strikes to protect flights over French airspace. In response to the situation, France's civil aviation authority has advised airlines to reduce their flight schedules across multiple airports, indicating the potential for worsening conditions into Friday, with projections showing a 40% reduction in flights from Paris.
Airlines for Europe (A4E), the premier aviation organization in Europe, has labeled the strike "intolerable" and warned that it could severely disrupt travel during the peak holiday season. Other carriers like EasyJet have also expressed their disappointment over the cancellations, calling for a swift resolution. In June, Ryanair reported operating over 109,000 flights while still facing a marked impact due to various disruptions, including the recent conflict in the Middle East, leading to the cancellation of more than 800 flights last month. Despite these challenges, the airline manages to maintain a reliable service record, with cancellations accounting for less than 1% of total flights.
