France strikes: Flight chaos as French air-traffic staff prepare walk out

Hundreds of flights to, from or via France face cancellation as the air-traffic control strike season begins.

At 6pm British time on Wednesday 21 March, some French air-traffic controllers will stop work in protest against labour reforms. The action will continue until 5am on Friday 23 March.

All airlines have been told to reduce their operations, typically by 30 per cent. The greatest impact is expected to be in the south and west of France, affecting flights linking the UK with Spain, Italy and Switzerland.

The UK air-traffic provider, Nats, is bringing in more staff to cope with an increased workload as flights divert around France.

Air France said it intends to operate all its long-haul schedule, and will make cuts to shorter flights. In addition, the airline warns that “last-minute delays and cancellations can be expected”.

British Airways has already cancelled seven outbound flights on Wednesday afternoon and evening. As well as French services to Marseille, Nice, Paris and Toulouse, flights to Barcelona, Basel and Geneva have been grounded.

BA is using larger aircraft where possible to help cover for cancelled services. The airline is offering passengers due to fly to or from France, Madrid or Barcelona during the strike, regardless of whether their flight is operating, to bring their flight forward ahead of the strike period, or move it back to a date up to and including Tuesday 27 March.

A British Airways spokesperson said: “Yet again the French air-traffic control trade unions are causing unnecessary frustration and disruption for customers at a busy time of year.

“We continue to urge the French government and the trade unions to resolve their issues so that customers can go on their holidays and business trips without these regular threats of strike action hanging over them.”

A spokesperson for easyJet said: “Affected customers will be able to transfer their flight free of charge, or receive a refund and hotel accommodation, and meals will be provided for passengers where required.

“Whilst this is outside of our control we would like to thank customers for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience experienced as a result of this industrial action.”

Last month controllers’ unions reacted angrily to a European Commission call for EU member states “to ensure air-service continuity in the event of industrial action”.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation said: “Air-traffic management staff cause less than 1 per cent of flight delays in Europe while the airlines are responsible for over 50 per cent.”

On Friday, before the air-traffic strike ends, Air France workers will begin a strike. Several unions representing the airline’s staff have called a stoppage for the day in protest against rationalisation plans.

Air France said: “As soon as we have a more accurate estimate of the number of employees on strike and the impact on our operations, our flight schedule will be changed accordingly and made public the day before your departure.

The airline may also reduce the number of passengers allowed on some flights if there are insufficient cabin crew.

Passengers booked to travel on Thursday, Friday or Saturday are being offered the chance to switch to another day without penalty.

Switching to Eurostar may not be a successful strategy, as the train operator has already cancelled four trains between London and Paris.

Anyone who reaches France despite the strike may find their problems are only just beginning. Rail services and the Paris transport network are likely to be severely disrupted.