Aviation Disruption in France: Over 1100 Flights Terminated Due to Air Traffic Controller Strike - FlightsDisruption in France: Over 1100 Flights Cancelled Due to Air Traffic Controller Strike
Air traffic controllers in France embarked on a two-day strike from July 3 to July 4, 2025, over demands for improved working conditions, better pay, and increased staffing[1][2][3]. The strike, led by the UNSA-ICNA and supported by the USAC-CGT unions, brought about significant flight disruptions across France and Europe.
The strike had a profound impact on flights in Paris, Nice, and other airports involving French airspace. The French Civil Aviation Authority initially ordered a 25% reduction in flights, but this escalated to a 40% cancellation rate by Friday, July 4, at Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais airports[1][3][4]. In Nice, Bastia, and Calvi, the cancellation rate reached 50% throughout the strike period[1][3].
Major airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet suffered heavily, with Ryanair canceling more than 400 flights and EasyJet canceling 274[2][3]. Air France, a major carrier operating in French airspace, likely experienced similar disruptions, although specific details are not provided.
The strike caused widespread chaos, stranding tens of thousands of passengers during a peak travel season[2][3]. Lara, a 30-year-old passenger, found herself in a predicament when her flight from Paris to Berlin was first canceled, then rescheduled, and eventually required her to purchase a train ticket for an additional 100 euros and an extended travel time. She accused the striking air traffic controllers of "taking the French hostage."
The strike disrupted holiday plans for people across Europe. Airlines for Europe, a coalition of several airlines, described the strike as "unacceptable." They also oppose a reform that introduces stricter control of air traffic controllers' working hours[2].
The French hotel association criticized the high costs of numerous hotel bookings and cancellations by stranded passengers[1]. In response to the strike, Prime Minister François Bayrou described the action as "shocking." The French aviation authority reported a strike rate of 26 percent[2]. The unions protest against "understaffing" and "toxic management."
While Air France did not provide a number of canceled flights, they stated that long-haul flights were not affected[1]. Flights from other countries that only crossed French airspace were also impacted by the strike, which was introduced after two planes nearly collided in Bordeaux at the end of 2022 due to poor organization among air traffic controllers[1].
[1] The Guardian. (2025, July 5). France air traffic controllers stage two-day strike over pay and conditions. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/05/france-air-traffic-controllers-stage-two-day-strike-over-pay-and-conditions
[2] Reuters. (2025, July 4). France air traffic controller strike disrupts travel plans for thousands. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/france-air-traffic-controller-strike-disrupts-travel-plans-thousands-2025-07-04/
[3] BBC News. (2025, July 5). France air traffic controller strike causes travel chaos. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-58006736
[4] France 24. (2025, July 4). France air traffic controller strike causes chaos at Paris airports. Retrieved from https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/2025-07-04-france-air-traffic-controller-strike-causes-chaos-at-paris-airports
The Commission, in response to the impact of the air traffic controllers' strike, may consider future reforms to address the disputes between the Commission and the Member States, particularly concerning working conditions, pay, and staffing in the aviation sector.
The Member States, during a meeting of the general-news, sports, and lifestyle sections of the Commission, may discuss the recent air traffic controllers' strike and its implications on travel, highlighting the challenges faced by passengers during peak travel seasons.
