French air traffic control strike: How long will the June strike last and how is travel affected?

Flights will be affected today (Picture: Getty)

Strikes have been a regular occurrence on UK shores over the last year, with train strikes, Passport offices, teachers, nurses and more walking out amid disputes over pay and working conditions.

There have been a number of strikes across Europe as well, with a nationwide strike currently ongoing in France on June 6, affecting trains, the Paris Metro and air traffic control at airports.

Naturally, many with travel plans to France are worried about the effect the strike action at airports will have on their journey, with the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) asking all airlines to reduce flights to and from some airports in France.

Here’s what you need to know about the current air traffic controller strike taking place across the Channel…

How long will the French air traffic control strike last in June?

French air traffic controllers have been on strike from 6pm on June 5, with the strike expected to last until 6am on June 7.

If you are planning on travelling to France during this time, then you’ll need to double-check your flight status and expect there to be disruptions or even last-minute cancellations.

How will travel be affected?

The DGAC has advised all airlines to cancel up to 30% of flights on strike days at some airports in France, with walkouts affecting Paris’ Orly and Beauvais airports, plus Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nantes and Nice.

Flights from Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport are not affected, however.

Delays and last-minute cancellations are expected today (Picture: Getty)

Flights that cross French airspace may also be affected by the air traffic controller strike. 

If you are flying to or from one of the affected airports – or know your flight may enter French airspace -it is recommended you check your journey prior to departure, to see if any delays or cancellations have been announced.  

Air France has said it will operate all long-haul flights and all flights to and from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, but three out of every 10 flights from Paris-Orly Airport and some other airports are likely to be cancelled.

In their statement, Air France said: ‘Delays and last-minute cancellations cannot be ruled out. The flight schedule is up to date and customers affected by cancelled flights have been notified individually by SMS, e-mail or via the Air France application.

‘For customers whose flight is cancelled, a voucher or a full refund in the event that they no longer travel. Air France regrets this strike action and is doing everything possible to limit the impact on its customers.’

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has called on President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to take action and protect flights as a result of French air traffic control strikes, with over 400 flights already cancelled today – June 6.

Speaking from Ryanair’s Dublin operation centre, Mr O’Leary said only domestic flights in France should be cancelled and that it is ‘absolutely indefensible’ that other flights across Europe and Ireland are disrupted.

‘(During the strike days) Our flights are full and we’re being forced to cancel flights. There is a simple solution for this. Other member states (Greece, Italy, and Spain) have laws that protect overflights.’

Eurostar however has said that today’s strike will not affect their timetable and that trains will run as normal amid walkouts at airports.

Why are the French air traffic controllers striking?

Air traffic controllers protesting against President Emmanuel Macron’s plans to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64, which main reason strikes have hit other industries across the country.

Strike action has been ongoing across a number of French industries following Macron’s controversial pension reform (Picture: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

President Macron pushed through the bill raising the retirement age without a vote in the National Assembly, which has seen multiple days of widespread strike action take place in the country since the start of 2023.

The June 6 national strike date was chosen as the National Assembly is set to meet on June 8 to discuss a number of motions, one of which includes keeping the retirement age fixed at 62.

The unions are therefore marching two days before to show their support and unity to parliament, demonstrating that they have not budged on their stance regarding the retirement age bill.

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There is nationwide strike action happening in France today.