French Air Traffic Controllers Strike

[Jennifer]

From today's Irish Times

PASSENGERS faced delays and cancellations yesterday as French air traffic controllers began a five-day strike.

Airlines were forced to cut half their short-haul services at Paris’s Orly airport, and a quarter at Charles de Gaulle, as a result of the strike, which trade unions called to protest against reforms they believe will lead to job losses.

Air France said none of its long-haul flights were affected, but it had scaled back its European schedules following an order from civil aviation authorities.

Passengers intending to travel between Ireland and France this week may experience delays and cancellations, and were advised to check the status of their flights.

Four French unions have called the strike to protest against the planned merger of the Belgian, Dutch, French, German, Luxembourg and Swiss air traffic control networks. Unions fear the pan-European deal will result in the loss of jobs, and timed their five-day strike to coincide with France’s midterm school holiday. Disruption is expected to continue until Saturday.

[Caroline]

I think I was pretty lucky last Friday - boarded my flight for Tenerife for a 6am flight only to be told by the captain that French air traffic controllers were striking that morning and not allowing us to fly over France. The captain was debating whether we should fly to Madeira, refuel and then onto Tenerife, but he didn't think he had enough fuel to get to Madeira so we would have to sit on the aircraft and wait patiently for a decision. Fortunately the French ATC gave us a slot within the hour, so not too much of a hold up. Could have been worse.