A strike by French air traffic controllers overpay led to the cancellation and delay of thousands of flights across France and Europe on Thursday. The strike, considered one of the most significant in recent decades, resulted in substantial disruptions to air travel.
Paris’s main airports, Orly and Roissy Charles-de-Gaulle, experienced a more than 50% reduction in their usual flight schedules. Short—and medium-haul flights were the most affected, while long-haul services faced fewer disruptions.
Budget airlines Ryanair, easyJet, and Transavia reported a combined total of 700 cancellations. According to the civil aviation authority DGAC, around 2,300 flights to and from French airports were expected, compared to the previous day’s 5,200. Europe also saw approximately 2,000 cancellations and 1,000 flight diversions to avoid French airspace.
Passengers faced moderate delays for authorized flights, with average delays of about 30 minutes. The strike caused particular inconvenience for French holidaymakers, as many schools were on spring break.
Airlines offered options for affected passengers, including free reservation changes and ticket refunds. The strike underscores the air traffic controllers’ opposition to a proposed overhaul of French air traffic control systems.
The strike’s timing raises concerns about potential disruptions during the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, scheduled to begin in late July.
