WASHINGTON – More than 1,000 flights in France were cancelled yesterday, as air traffic controllers went on a one-day strike to demand higher wages.
The strikes come after months of negotiations over wages and recruitment plans, United Press International reported.
The air traffic control union, SNCTA, said in a statement that the lack of pay increases was unjustifiable. Workers began their strike at 6am yesterday.
France’s aviation authority had braced for severe disruption from the strike, asking airlines to ground half their flights and urging passengers to delay trips.
Many airlines cancelled flights yesterday – some that merely had to pass through French airspace – and expressed their displeasure with doing so.
“It is inexcusable that passengers who are not even flying to or from France are disrupted,” said Neal McMahon, Ryanair operations director. Ryanair cancelled 420 flights.
“It is time that the European Union step in and protect overflights so that European passengers are not repeatedly held to ransom by a tiny French ATC union,” McMahon added.
Air France cancelled 55% of its short- and medium-haul flights yesterday and 10% of its long-haul flights.
EasyJet also cancelled hundreds of flights.
French travellers could be looking at more disruptions later this month. A three-day strike is planned for September 28 to 30. – Bernama, September 17, 2022
