Severe disruption: Half of flights to and from France to be grounded on Friday as workers strike

A French air site visitors management strike may floor half of all flights to and from France on Friday.

France’s aviation authority the DGAC has warned of “extreme” disruption, askingairlines to halve their schedules forward of the walkout and urging passengers to delay journeys.

The industrial motion – which is able to run from 6am Friday 16 September to 6am on Saturday17 September – may additionally disrupt European flights that cross over French airspace.

“Flight cancellations and important delays are to be anticipated,” the DGAC mentioned in an announcement.

“Passengers who can are invited to postpone their journeys.”

Why are French air site visitors controllers placing?

The French Syndicat Nationwide des Contrôleurs du Trafic Aérien (SNCTA) union – the nation’s important union for site visitors controllers – referred to as the strike over pay and dealing circumstances.

In an announcement, the union mentioned inflation was eroding employee pay, calling for wage will increase and extra recruitment.

“Between 2029 and 2035, one third of the [air traffic control] workforce is retiring. It’s crucial that we anticipate and plan recruitment,” the assertion says.

“If not, the implications will probably be inevitable when it comes to the general public service, working circumstances and adaptability.”

Will my flight be cancelled?

Air France has mentioned it would contact each passenger individually.

“The corporate regrets this motion, which can have important penalties for purchasers,” a spokesperson mentioned.

The DGAC has suggested passengers on different airways to succeed in out to their service for extra data.

In case your flight is cancelled, you might be seemingly entitled to a full refund or a seat on one other flight.

In case you are flying over France, your flight will not be impacted – the DGAC is collaborating with Eurocontrol to assist airways keep away from French airspace.

If an settlement is just not reached after Friday, the Union plans a second strike for September 28-30.