Air traffic controllers postpone third day of industrial action
Passengers on flights across Europe can expect delays of five hours or longer today as air traffic controllers in France enter their second day of industrial action.
Around 1,800 European flights were cancelled yesterday when air traffic controllers in France started a planned three-day strike at 06:00hrs. EasyJet said it would be forced to cancel approximately 128 flights today and Ryanair – one of the worst hit carriers – expects to cancel 244 flights today.
Delays of five hours were reported yesterday but passengers could face increased disruption today as members of the European Transport Workers Federation in Belgium, Slovakia and Hungary will join the strike.
However, easyJet and Ryanair said flights should return to normal tomorrow as a third day of industrial action planned by air traffic controllers in France for Thursday has been postponed.
Air traffic controllers are concerned that plans for a ‘Single European Sky,’ intended to cut travel times and costs, will adversely affect their working conditions and result in job cuts.
IATA director general Tony Tyler claimed their fears were unfounded. "Our blueprint report shows that the single European sky is a win-win proposition. Reducing delays, cutting emissions, and raising safety levels will create 320,000 jobs across Europe.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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