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 significant aviation labor action, with UK travelers expected to experience significant effects. On September 18, the SNCTA union, representing 80% of French controllers, will hold a 24-hour strike to protest government budget reductions and stalled wage negotiations.
The strike will halt a significant portion of French airspace, impacting around 1,500 flights, including close to 200 flights to and from the UK. The current political unrest following the removal of Prime Minister Michel Barnier raises concerns about a potential nationwide general strike.
AirAdvisor experts have identified the routes most likely to be affected, focusing on French airports with high UK flight traffic, including:
– Paris Charles de Gaulle: Receiving approximately 80 to 100 UK flights daily.
– Nice Côte d’Azur: Handling around 30–40 UK flights daily.
– Marseille Provence: Servicing roughly 20–30 UK flights daily.
Based on past French ATC strikes, AirAdvisor anticipates a disruption rate of 50%, affecting nearly 200 UK flights and impacting 36,000 passengers. The strike is expected to lead to flight diversions to neighboring airports, potentially increasing congestion by 5–10% for up to 12 hours, with Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Brussels, and Geneva likely to be severely affected.
Affected passengers, unfortunately, will not be eligible for compensation as ATC strikes are categorized as ‘extraordinary circumstances’ under EU/UK 261 regulations. Nonetheless, airlines are obligated to provide free assistance such as meals, accommodation, and transportation.
Travelers are advised to sign up for flight alerts and airline applications for real-time information on delays and cancellations. In case of overnight delays, passengers should demand hotel and food vouchers as per EU law, regardless of the circumstances. Keeping detailed records for reimbursement from the airline or travel insurance is recommended. Additionally, using ‘fragile’ tags on baggage can help ensure priority handling during potential backlog situations, reducing the risk of lost items.
Anton Radchenko, the founder of AirAdvisor, expressed concerns about the strike’s aftermath, emphasizing the prolonged disruptions that can follow. Travelers are urged to be proactive, considering early morning departures and alternative flexible booking options, as well as documenting all travel-related information to facilitate potential claims or compensation. Radchenko also foresees a shift in airline partnerships toward hubs outside of France, which could impact UK-Southern Europe connections in the future.