Tens of thousands of British vacationers are set to face disruptions due to upcoming strikes by French air traffic control (ATC) next week. France is preparing for a major aviation industrial action as the SNCTA union, representing 80% of French controllers, plans a 24-hour walkout on September 18 in protest against government budget cuts and stalled wage negotiations.
The strike is expected to halt a significant portion of French airspace, impacting around 1,500 flights, including close to 200 flights to and from the UK. There is potential for further disruption, as recent political turmoil following the removal of Prime Minister Michel Barnier raises the prospect of a nationwide general strike.
AirAdvisor experts have identified key routes likely to be affected based on the busiest French airports for UK flights, including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Nice Côte d’Azur, and Marseille Provence. Anticipating a 50% disruption rate from past ATC strikes, AirAdvisor predicts approximately 200 UK flights, affecting 36,000 passengers, will be disrupted.
The ripple effects of the strike may divert up to 400 flights to neighboring airports, leading to a 5–10% increase in congestion for up to 12 hours. Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Brussels, and Geneva are expected to experience the highest impact.
Passengers affected by the strike will not be eligible for compensation under EU/UK 261 regulation, as ATC strikes are considered ‘extraordinary circumstances.’ However, airlines are obligated to provide free care such as meals, accommodation, and transportation.
To stay informed about delays and cancellations, passengers are advised to sign up for flight alerts and airline apps. In case of overnight delays, passengers should request hotel and food vouchers as airlines are required by EU law to provide these regardless of ‘extraordinary circumstances.’
Travelers are encouraged to document all relevant information for potential reimbursement from airlines or travel insurance. Additionally, tagging bags with ‘fragile’ labels can help prioritize baggage handling during disruptions, reducing the risk of lost or delayed luggage.
Anton Radchenko, AirAdvisor’s founder, emphasized the prolonged impact of such strikes on travel schedules and advised passengers to prepare for possible delays even beyond the strike date. He suggested considering early morning flights for lower disruption risk and keeping alternative travel options ready, such as refundable bookings via alternative airports or short-haul connections through Eurostar.
Looking ahead, Radchenko anticipates airlines expanding partnerships with hubs outside of France to mitigate future disruptions, potentially altering how UK passengers connect to southern Europe. Travelers are urged to be proactive and adequately document their travel experiences to avoid unnecessary stress and expenses during such events.