Tens of thousands of British tourists are set to face disruptions due to upcoming strikes by French air traffic control (ATC) next week. France is preparing for a significant aviation industrial action, with the SNCTA union, representing 80% of French controllers, planning a 24-hour walkout on September 18. The strike is in protest against government budget cuts and stalled wage negotiations.
The strike is expected to halt a large portion of French airspace, affecting around 1,500 flights, including close to 200 flights to and from the UK. There are concerns that the ongoing political turmoil following the removal of Prime Minister Michel Barnier could escalate into a nationwide general strike.
Air travel experts at AirAdvisor have identified the routes most likely to be impacted based on the volume of UK flights to French airports. The airports with the highest daily UK flight arrivals are Paris Charles de Gaulle, Nice Côte d’Azur, and Marseille Provence.
Anticipating a 50% disruption rate similar to previous French ATC strikes, AirAdvisor predicts nearly 200 UK flights will be affected, impacting approximately 36,000 passengers. The strike is also expected to divert up to 400 flights to alternative airports, leading to a 5–10% increase in congestion for up to 12 hours, with Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Brussels, and Geneva likely to experience the greatest disruptions.
Despite the inconvenience caused by the strike, passengers are reminded that compensation claims are usually not applicable for ATC strikes under EU/UK 261 regulations. However, affected travelers are entitled to free care in the form of meals, accommodation, and transportation from airlines.
Passengers are advised to stay informed by signing up for flight alerts and airline apps to receive real-time updates on delays and cancellations. In case of overnight delays, travelers should request hotel and food vouchers as per EU regulations, regardless of the circumstances. Keeping detailed documentation for potential reimbursement from airlines or travel insurance is recommended, along with tagging luggage as ‘fragile’ to expedite handling during possible disruptions.
AirAdvisor’s founder, Anton Radchenko, expressed concern over potential long-lasting effects of the strike, advising travelers to prepare for extended disruptions even after the strike day. To mitigate risks, passengers flying to or over France are encouraged to consider early morning departures and alternative flexible bookings via other European hubs. Radchenko also highlighted the possibility of future airline partnerships with non-French hubs to improve connectivity for UK passengers to southern Europe.
In conclusion, proactive planning and preparedness are essential for travelers to navigate through the uncertainties caused by such strikes, ensuring a smoother and less stressful travel experience amid disruptions.