Time for another strike – this time from the French Air Traffic Controllers who are deciding to spend 48 hours from 06:00CET 8th April to 05:59 10th April.
The strike has been called by SNCTA, who are calling for action over working practices as well as the retirement age (currently 59 for air traffic controllers)
Airlines have been asked to cut their services, the following cuts:
- For Wednesday 8th, a 40% cut of services from any Paris Airport and Lyon, Nice, Marseilles, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Nantes.
- On Thursday 9th, the cut is deeper with 50% of services affected Lyon, Nice, Marseilles, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Nantes
Airlines are responding to this:
- Air France their whole long-haul programme, 60% of their medium haul programme from Paris CDG, 30% of flights from Orly, and 60% of service from other French Airports
- American Airlines are allowing rebookings.
- British Airways are monitoring, and are expecting to cancel flights – but to operate larger planes
- Delta Air Lines are allowing rebookings
- EasyJet has pulled 118 flights (including 10 between France and the UK)
- KLM are expecting major cancellations
- Lufthansa is has noted that operates will be affected.
- Ryanair has pulled flights left right and centre
If you haven’t already, check with your carrier that you are flying tomorrow, and prepare for all the fun that a French Air Traffic Controller flight can bring.
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I love how the French controllers must have to retire at 59 and US ATC is 56 and you do not see them complaining.