30 Apr 2024 | 10:08 AM UTC
France: Unionized air traffic controllers plan strike nationwide, May 9-11
Unionized air traffic controllers to strike across France, May 9-11. Severe air travel disruptions likely.
Unionized air traffic controllers (ATC) plan to stage a nationwide strike from May 9-11. The SNCTA (National Syndicate of Air Traffic Controllers) will denounce the progress of negotiations with the Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC) over the restructuring of services. As of April 30, the impact on flight operations remains unclear. Typically, authorities cancel flights in the 48 hours before a strike, in order to mitigate disruptions. Cancellations will likely range from zero to 65 percent of flights at Paris Roissy-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and from 30-75 percent at Paris-Orly (ORY) and other major secondary airports.
Flight disruptions are likely across France during the period of the strike. Airport passenger processing delays are possible at all airports. Striking workers may form pickets at airport entrances. Disruptions may continue in the hours following the industrial action as services return to normal.
Contact airlines to reconfirm flight status if booked to travel through France during the strike period. Consider delaying non-essential air travel. Do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Allow extra time for flight check-in and to clear airport security.
The SNCTA previously planned a strike for April 25. On April 24, authorities canceled over 50 percent of flights at major airports nationwide in preparation for this industrial action. However, late on April 24, the union called off the strike, but the decision was made too late for authorities to reinstate the canceled flights. Therefore, passengers experienced significant disruptions on April 25 despite the cancellation of the action.
