More flight disruption as French ATC strikes begin

Air travellers at Heathrow Airport are facing another day of disruption as French air traffic control strikes begin

Strong winds and short staffing caused some air traffic control restrictions on Sunday with about 60 flight cancellations.

“Strong wind is forecast, we want to reassure passengers that our colleagues are working in close collaboration with our airline and air traffic control partners,” the airport said.

National Air Traffic Services (NATS) acknowledged staff shortages were also a factor.

“Due to short notice staff absence in the tower and strong winds at Heathrow, temporary ATC restrictions are currently in place,”

British Airways said it had to ‘make some adjustments to our short-haul schedule.’

Today, the French air traffic control walkout has led to flight cancellations and delays including overflights.

Again, British Airways has cancelled at least 20 flights from Heathrow.

EasyJet has grounded at least 10 flights and Ryanair has also been hit hard with flight cancellations at London Stansted, Manchester and Belfast International.

“Despite repeated calls on Ursula von der Leyen to protect passengers and overflights during these ATC strikes, she has failed to take any action to do so,” a Ryanair spokesperson said.