In a significant disruption to air travel, a two-day strike by French air traffic controllers has led to the cancellation of over a thousand flights, infuriating airlines and costing them millions of euros in losses. The walkout, which occurred on Thursday and Friday, was primarily fueled by disputes between two unions and the French directorate general for civil aviation. The grievances centered around issues of understaffing and the implementation of a new biometric time clock system designed to monitor air traffic controllers' attendance.
Airline executives have voiced their frustration over the strike's impact on their operations. Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, lamented the situation, stating, “I’d be better if I wasn’t canceling 400 flights and 70,000 passengers just because a bunch of French air traffic controllers want to have recreational strikes.” He emphasized the financial burden of the strike, asserting that it costs the airline millions of euros. Similarly, Benjamin Smith, the CEO of Air France-KLM Group, criticized the walkout, calling it “extremely expensive” for the airline during a press call.
The frequency of strikes in France has become a growing concern for airlines, disrupting their schedules and affecting thousands of passengers. O'Leary pointed out that the issue is not a lack of air traffic controllers in France but rather how they are managed. He stated, “The real issue is that they don’t roster them particularly well.” This sentiment was echoed by Smith, who highlighted the negative image of France, especially for tourists arriving during the summer vacation season, when they face flight delays and cancellations.
Unions have long raised alarms about the structural understaffing of air traffic controllers in France. A notable incident occurred in December 2022, when staffing shortages contributed to a near-collision between an easyJet plane and a private jet at Bordeaux airport. Investigators revealed that only three controllers were on duty in the tower when six were required, raising serious safety concerns.
The recent strike was organized by France's second-largest air traffic controllers' union, UNSA-ICNA, and was supported by the third-largest union, USAC-CGT. Reports from AFP indicated that around 270 out of 1,400 controllers participated in the strike on Thursday, further emphasizing the ongoing tensions between the unions and the government.
In the wake of the disruption, airlines have criticized the French government for failing to protect air traffic during the strike, which has had a ripple effect across Europe. O'Leary stated, “It is indefensible that today I’m canceling flights from Ireland to Italy, from Germany to Spain, from Portugal to Poland.” He attributed a significant portion of Ryanair's cancellations—360 out of 400—to the lack of protection afforded to flights crossing French airspace during strikes.
O'Leary did not shy away from directing blame at the European Union, particularly European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He criticized her leadership, claiming that had the Commission taken effective action to protect overflights, many cancellations could have been avoided. He emphasized, “Unless you're a French air traffic controller, you can shut down the sky over France.” O'Leary's remarks reflected a broader frustration with EU policies and their impact on air travel.
In response to the backlash, the European Commission's transport spokesperson, Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, acknowledged the issues surrounding air traffic control but reiterated that it is primarily the responsibility of member states. She stated, “We fully acknowledge the legitimate right of strikes in member states, but it is an issue that is to be addressed more broadly.” This statement indicates that while the Commission is aware of the challenges, the resolution lies with individual nations.
As airlines continue to grapple with the fallout from the strike, it is evident that the situation surrounding French air traffic control remains a contentious issue, affecting not only airlines but also travelers throughout Europe.
