**Air Passengers Face Severe Disruption as Air Traffic Control Strike Continues Across France**
Travellers are bracing themselves for further travel chaos on Friday, as an air traffic control strike in France presses ahead for a second consecutive day. The industrial action is causing widespread disruption, with hundreds of flights grounded or rerouted, leaving thousands of passengers struggling to reach their destinations. The strike, which began on Thursday, has seen major airlines—including easyJet, Ryanair, HOP!, and Air France—being forced to cancel a significant number of scheduled flights.
According to official reports, close to 500 flights were axed at the outset of the strike action, with disruptions affecting not only direct routes to and from France but also flights simply passing over French airspace. Key destinations impacted include the UK, Greece, Spain, and Ireland. The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has issued a directive for airlines to substantially reduce operations at airports across the country, a move timed just days before the start of France’s busy school summer holidays—a period historically marked by a sharp spike in air travel.
The DGAC has asked for dramatic cuts at several regional airports. For instance, on Thursday alone, more than half the flights scheduled into and out of Nice, Bastia, and Calvi airports were cancelled. Other airports, such as Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Ajaccio, and Figari, have been told to scale back services by 30 percent. Even at the bustling Parisian airports—including Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais—a quarter of all flights have been nullified, causing widespread inconvenience.
While only one of two unions is maintaining strike action into Friday, officials warn that passengers should still expect significant delays, albeit at a slightly reduced scale compared to Thursday. The industrial dispute not only affects French airports but also complicates journeys for travellers on flights needing to traverse French airspace. Previous strike actions have led to flight interruptions not only within France but extending to and from countries such as Belgium, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Aviation specialists are strongly advising passengers to remain alert to the latest updates from their airlines. Nicky Kelvin, Editor at Large at The Points Guy, urged: “If you are due to travel in the coming days, monitor your airline correspondence closely. Re-bookings might be possible for some, but others may have limited options, so it is vital to stay informed.” Passengers on cancelled flights are generally entitled to refunds—although compensation over and above this is unlikely, as the disruption is considered beyond airline control.
Financial implications are also weighing on many holidaymakers, particularly as the disturbance coincides with peak holiday travel. Kara Gammell, personal finance expert at MoneySuperMarket Travel Insurance, has highlighted crucial factors for affected passengers. “EU law requires airlines to refund cancelled flights, and you may also claim extra costs, such as accommodation, through travel insurance—provided your policy includes cover for airline strikes,” she explained. Gammell notes, however, that not all insurance policies offer such provisions, urging consumers to check policy details carefully before purchase.
For those currently stranded or expecting to travel soon, the practicalities extend beyond delayed plans. Airlines are obliged to provide basic necessities—food, drink, and lodging—when significant delays occur, though the specifics depend on the circumstances. When travel plans are spoiled due to strike action, the potential to claim for alternative accommodation, meals, and additional expenses may exist, but Gammell cautions that coverage varies amongst insurers and should be verified directly with providers.
Further clarity on passenger rights comes from Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of airline compensation firm SkyRefund. “Your protections under EU Regulation 261/2004 depend on your departure point, airline, and disruption cause. Fly from any EU airport (including France), and you are protected, regardless of airline nationality. Similarly, flights into the EU with an EU-based carrier are also covered,” Danailov explained.
The ongoing disruption arrives at a critical time for both the aviation industry and the travelling public. Many are anxiously awaiting updates, hoping for a swift resolution or at least minimal delays as they set off for long-anticipated holidays. For now, with air traffic still far from normal, a patient and proactive approach remains the best advice for stranded passengers.