Air travel across France and beyond has been severely disrupted today as air traffic control strikes forced hundreds of flight cancellations, affecting passengers across Europe.
According to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium, a total of 463 scheduled arrivals into French airports have been cancelled so far, representing 22% of all inbound flights.
A further 455 departures — also 22% of scheduled outbound flights — have been grounded as strike action grips the country’s air traffic management system.
UK-French Flights Hardest Hit
Travellers between the UK and France are experiencing some of the worst disruption. Cirium reports that 44 flights from the UK to France have been cancelled, amounting to 31% of all services between the two countries today.
The same number of flights — 44 — have also been cancelled in the opposite direction, from France to the UK, accounting for a further 31% of scheduled services.
Airlines are warning passengers to check the status of their flights before travelling to the airport, as the situation remains fluid and further cancellations or delays may follow throughout the day.
Continent-Wide Knock-On Effects
The French airspace is a major corridor for European aviation, and strikes by air traffic controllers often have far-reaching effects across the continent.
Flights that do not land in France but pass through its airspace may also be forced to divert or delay, adding further complications for airlines and passengers alike.
The walkout is part of an ongoing dispute between air traffic unions and the French government over working conditions and planned reforms.
No end to the strike action has yet been confirmed.
Travellers are advised to consult their airlines for the latest information and to allow extra time for rebooking or alternative arrangements.
