Thousands of passengers grounded by French ATC strike

Thursday, 10 Oct, 2017 0

Tens of thousands of air passengers have been grounded today as a result of an air traffic control strike in France, which has affected flights right across western Europe.

Ryanair has cancelled more than 200 flights, which has affected about 40,000 passengers, including many from the UK. The majority of flights affected are to and from France, but services to Spain and Italy have also been hit.

Ryanair published a list of grounded flights on its website today, but warned further cancellations were likely.

"Ryanair sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused by these unjustified ATC disruptions which are entirely outside of our control," it said. Air traffic controllers in France are taking part in a national strike in protest at President Emmanuel Macron’s labour reforms.

EasyJet said the strike would hit its flights to and from French airports, as well as those flying over French airspace.

"The strike is also expected to impact many public services in France, including public transport," it said. "We advise all passengers to allow plenty of extra time to get to the airport and consider alternative transport options where possible."

British Airways said: "Yet again this will unfortunately bring another wave of unnecessary disruption for some customers travelling in Europe."

The airline said it plans to use larger aircraft on some flights to compensate for cancellations, but it is also allowing anyone due to fly to or from any French airport, as well as Madrid and Barcelona, today to travel tomorrow or on Thursday instead.

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Linsey McNeill

Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk

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