Brace yourself and your clients for major European flight disruptions as French air traffic controllers walk off the job.
The two-day strike commenced overnight and saw the European civil aviation authority warning of major disruptions around France, as airlines have been urged to cancel around 40 percent of flights in and out the country.
The strike was called by the main air traffic union SNCTA, which is seeking talks over working conditions and a proposal to push back the retiring age of air traffic controllers from 57 to 59.
French airlines on strike. Hundreds of flights cancelled #Strikes #France #Delays http://t.co/4jw47ywprD pic.twitter.com/O9Sg8yWYPK
— Stock Shop (@stockshopportal) April 8, 2015
According to officials, talks have mostly been held outside of formal structures.
Transport minister Alain Vidalies said he “regretted” that the union had called a strike, but said it has resulted in a formal meeting scheduled to take place on 13 April.
“Since 2013, we’ve been taken for a ride meeting after meeting.”
Roger Rousseau, SNCTA
In the meantime, Air France has advised travellers of ‘very severe disruptions’ to its schedule.
The airline said in an online statement that the strike will affect operations to and from Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly as well as Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Nice and Nantes.
On 9 April it will only operate its entire long-haul program; 50 percent of medium-haul flights; one flight out of four to and from Orly; and 40 percent of those to other French airports.
“Under these conditions, we highly recommend to rebook the alternate flight as from 10 April.”
Air France
The airline recommended passengers verify flight schedule information before going to the airport.
Any valid Air France ticket for a flight scheduled on 8 April or 9 April on a short and medium-haul flight is being offered to postpone the flight from 10 April to 15 April 2015, with no extra cost – subject to availabilities.
In case of a cancellation or delay over five hours, passengers can also request the refund of their ticket.
Other airlines such as Turkish Airlines also say their operations to France have been affected.
Click here to see which Turkish Airlines flight have been affected.
Travellers have taken to Twitter to express their frustration.
Misery of France air traffic controller strikes. Sort this mess out whatever it takes completely unacceptable by today’s standards!! — Stuart Lambert (@stujlmbrt) April 8, 2015
Embarrassment for France and right on time for their yearly strikes. Thus why I don’t fly into Paris. #useless — James Mackintosh (@jimmymackintosh) April 8, 2015
Dear France. I will get to see Lionel play, even if it means driving there. Just keep your strikes to yourself next time, love headloss — Ryan Clarke (@ryclarke12) April 8, 2015
