Half of all flights to and from France on Friday could be canceled due to a French air traffic control strike. The DGAC, the French aviation regulator, has issued a “serious” disruption alert, requesting that airlines halve their schedules in advance of the walkout and advising travelers to postpone their travel plans.
The strike, which will last from 6 a.m. on Friday, September 16, to 6 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, could also cause delays for European flights flying over French airspace.
Flight cancellations and significant delays are to be expected, according to the DGAC.
“Passengers who are able to do so are encouraged to postpone their trips.”
Why are French air traffic controllers going on strike?
The strike was called by the French Syndicat National des Contrôleurs du Trafic Aérien (SNCTA), the country’s main union for traffic controllers.
The union said in a statement that inflation was eroding worker pay and that it was calling for wage increases and more recruitment.
“One-third of the [air traffic control] workforce will retire between 2029 and 2035.” “We must anticipate and plan for recruitment,” the statement says.
“If not, the consequences in terms of public service, working conditions, and flexibility will be unavoidable.”
Is my flight going to be canceled?
Air France has stated that each passenger will be contacted individually.
“The company regrets this action, which will have serious consequences for customers,” said a spokesperson.
The DGAC has advised passengers on other airlines to contact their respective airlines for more information.
If your flight is canceled, you should be able to receive a full refund or a seat on another flight.
If you are flying over France, your flight may be unaffected because the DGAC is working with Eurocontrol to assist airlines in avoiding French airspace.
If an agreement is not reached by Friday, the Union intends to strike again on September 28-30.