Widespread Flight Cancellations in France Amid Air Traffic Controllers' Strike

Strike Impact Despite Last-Minute Agreement

Despite reaching a last-minute agreement with the main union, air traffic in France was significantly slowed on Thursday morning due to a strike by air traffic controllers. Airlines were requested to cancel a large number of flights, resulting in only 2,250 flights scheduled for the day, compared to nearly 5,200 the previous day.

Persistent Union Strike Notices

Three unions, Unsa-ICNA, Usac-CGT, and Spac-CFDT, chose to maintain their strike notice, leading to substantial cancellations across major French airports. Paris-Orly, Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle, and Marseille-Provence airports were among the most affected, with cancellation rates ranging from 45% to 75%.

Moderate Delays and Overflight Disruptions

For flights that were not canceled, moderate delays were reported, particularly at Orly airport with average delays of 44 minutes on arrivals and 26 minutes on departures. The strike also affected overflight operations, with disruptions in air navigation and increased delays, especially in the southeast of France.

Legal Changes and Minimum Service Reform

Recent legal changes aim to better manage the consequences of strikes, requiring air traffic controllers to declare their intention to strike by noon the day before. This new rule allows for more accurate planning and potentially fewer unnecessary cancellations. Additionally, discussions are ongoing to update the decree on minimum service in air traffic control, which could improve the management of future strikes.

Airline and Passenger Disruptions

The strike has left hundreds of thousands of passengers in uncertainty, with significant cancellations and risks of further delays and diversions. The main association of airlines in Europe expressed concerns over the impact on travelers and the additional costs incurred due to rerouting and refunds.