Strikes threaten major disruption to Europe flights
Flights across Europe face major disruption next week as air traffic controllers in France, Germany, Spain and Portugal plan strike action.
Passengers due to travel anywhere in Europe on Thursday October 10 are being warned that it is highly likely their flight will be delayed or cancelled.
The Air Traffic Controllers European Unions Coordination said those travelling in Germany, France, Spain and Portugal will be particularly affected but the strike will also affect anyone flying in air-space over Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France, whose air traffic control service is provided by Eurocontrol.
It said workers in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Italy, Macedonia, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Switzerland will also join its ‘Action Day’.
They are protesting against plans to streamline European air traffic control, which they say will threaten flight safety.
IATA director general and chief executive Tony Tyler has warned transport ministers the stoppage would cost airlines nearly £230 million if it goes ahead.
He and others in the industry are urging ministers across Europe to intervene in the dispute.
ATCEUC represents more than 14 000 Air Traffic Controllers from 26 European Countries.
Passengers are being urged to contact their travel agent or airline.
Any strike action on Thursday is also likely to affect travel in the following few days.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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