Thousands of passengers grounded by French ATC strike
Tens of thousands of air passengers have been grounded today as a result of an air traffic control strike in France, which has affected flights right across western Europe.
Ryanair has cancelled more than 200 flights, which has affected about 40,000 passengers, including many from the UK. The majority of flights affected are to and from France, but services to Spain and Italy have also been hit.
Ryanair published a list of grounded flights on its website today, but warned further cancellations were likely.
"Ryanair sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused by these unjustified ATC disruptions which are entirely outside of our control," it said. Air traffic controllers in France are taking part in a national strike in protest at President Emmanuel Macron’s labour reforms.
EasyJet said the strike would hit its flights to and from French airports, as well as those flying over French airspace.
"The strike is also expected to impact many public services in France, including public transport," it said. "We advise all passengers to allow plenty of extra time to get to the airport and consider alternative transport options where possible."
British Airways said: "Yet again this will unfortunately bring another wave of unnecessary disruption for some customers travelling in Europe."
The airline said it plans to use larger aircraft on some flights to compensate for cancellations, but it is also allowing anyone due to fly to or from any French airport, as well as Madrid and Barcelona, today to travel tomorrow or on Thursday instead.
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
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements