Passengers face travel disruption throughout April due to ongoing industrial action in France. Thousands of flights have already been delayed or cancelled due to the strikes this month, with more on the way.
The industrial action has caused the main routes in France to be placed 'out of use'. This has resulted in all flights across French airspace being impacted.
Some services have been cancelled, while the majority are having to use longer and more congested routes to get to their destinations. Pension reform protests have broke out around big French cities such as Paris, Lille and Marseille as holidaymakers in the country have been warned to avoid large gatherings and key protest routes.
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The industrial action has caused the main routes to and from France to be placed out of use, meaning all flights across French airspace have been impacted. Some flights have been cancelled, while the majority are having to use longer and more congested routes to get to their destinations.
EasyJet has reported disruption throughout April, warning passengers that its service in and out of France is 'significantly reduced'.
A statement from easyJet said: 'Due to national strike action in France impacting transport services including air traffic control on 13th April, airlines have been requested by the French authorities (DGAC) to make some cancellations to their flying programmes which means six flights to and from the UK will no longer be able to operate."
Ryanair said the threat of action by French ATCs would continue until May, adding that so far in 2023, its operations had been impacted by 32 days of strikes affecting 3,350 flights – mainly those overflying France. A spokesperson said: "Due to repeated French ATC strikes, we regrettably expect more flight cancellations and delays over France from 1 Apr – 1 May.
"All affected passengers will be notified as soon as possible. Please monitor the Ryanair App and website for the latest updates regarding flights. Ryanair has repeatedly called on the EU Commission and Ursula von der Leyen to take action to protect EU passengers and overflights during repeated French ATC strikes.
"Ryanair calls on all passengers to sign our PROTECT PASSENGERS - KEEP EU SKIES OPEN PETITION."
Jet2.com has issued a similar pre-emptive warning, covering the period to 1 May. A spokesperson said: "This means flights operating to or through French airspace may be delayed."
Why are the French Air Control striking?
Why are they striking? The national strike is over President Macron's proposed pension reforms. Under the proposed plans, France's legal retirement age will gradually increase to 64 — it's currently 62
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