Strikes called off but flights still cancelled
French air traffic controllers have called off strike action this weekend, although airlines had already cancelled flights today.
Unions had threated industrial action from today until Sunday, threatening major disruption to and from France and services that fly over the country to other European destinations.
It would have been the ninth strike action in three months and had threatened to hit families returning after the half-term holidays.
But after last-minute talks with unions last night and this morning, the strikes have been called off.
Pre-empting the industrial action, Ryanair and EasyJet had already cancelled dozens of flights and BA had made changes to its schedules.
Repeating its call for the European Commission to take action to limit the impact of French ATC strikes, Ryanair said the union was planning to hit the Uefa Euro 2016 football championship, which kicks off in France on June 10.
Marketing director Kenny Jacobs said: "This latest strike action by the French ATC unions is a clear escalation of their attempts to cause as much disruption as possible, and not only will European consumers heading off in huge numbers on their summer holidays be affected, football fans from all over the continent face massive disruption as they get ready for the European Championships, which begin next week.
"It is also important to note that the tourism sectors in Italy and Spain are continuing to be hit hard by these strikes, with thousands of flights to both destinations canceled in the past few weeks alone, meaning hotel beds lie empty and restaurants remain half-full due to tourists being unable to fly over France to get there. There is a less impactful option in Greece and Italy, whereby ATC strikes impact domestic flights only, instead of international over flights."
EasyJet had expected a ‘large impact’ to its schedules as around 65% of its flights use French airspace.
"We have been working very hard to minimise the impact on our customers, but just like other airlines, we have been forced to cancel flights ahead of the strike," it said yesterday.
British Airways said it was planning to use larger aircraft, including some long-haul planes, where possible, to help affected customers.
As a result of the potential disruption, BA has re-introduced its flexible rebooking policy for customers due to fly to France, Madrid and Barcelona this week. Regardless of whether their flight is operating or not, they can delay their travel until Friday June 10.
Easyjet had also relaxed its cancellation and change policies.
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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