By Euronews Travel
Published on •Updated
French air traffic controllers are threatening to strike as the summer holiday season begins for millions across Europe.
The UNSA-ICNA union – the second largest union for air traffic controllers in France – has filed a strike motion for the 3 and 4 July. They have cited “toxic” and “authoritarian” management as one of the reasons for the walkout.
The union is calling for increased staffing levels and a pay rise. A meeting on Wednesday this week with the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) failed to prevent the strikes.
The third-largest ATC union, USAC-CGT, also issued a strike notice this week for 3 July. The largest union representing French air traffic controllers, SNCTA, has indicated that it isn’t calling for a strike.
What impact will the strikes have on summer holiday flights?
A walkout by air traffic controllers would likely cause delays and cancellations across many French airports.
The strike comes on the eve of the school summer holiday in France, which is due to begin on 4 July (or 5 July for those who have Saturday classes), when air traffic peaks. These dates are some of the busiest of the year, according to DGAC, as many head off on their summer break.
With both unions striking on Thursday, there is likely to be a worse impact than on Friday. The walkout could also impact ‘overflights’ or those which travel through French airspace.
This may mean aircraft have to be rerouted around France, leading to delays. Flights to and from Belgium, Portugal, Spain and Morocco have been among the worst affected during previous ATC actions in France.
The DGAC has said it will announce in the days leading up to the strikes how many flights will need to be cancelled. It will then be up to airlines which services they choose to axe.
Air traffic controllers have been in an ongoing battle with the DGAC for years, but this is their first strike since 2024. There was an ‘Olympic truce’ last year, which saw industrial action paused during the games.
In 2023, air traffic controller strikes led to major disruption in France with tens of thousands of cancellations, delays and widespread travel chaos. More than 10 million passengers were impacted by French walkouts between March and April, according to data from Eurocontrol.
A new law was brought in to reduce disruption, which requires air traffic controllers who are planning to strike to inform their bosses at least 48 hours in advance. It is intended to give employers enough time to draw up temporary timetables based on the number of staff who will be working.
A similar rule was already in place for employees of the SNCF national railways and the Paris public transport operator RATP.
