ATC
French Controllers Strike Disrupts Traffic at Multiple Airports
Aviation safety agency ordered cancellation of at least 40% of flights
Paris Le Bourget Airport
Aircraft operators using FBOs at Paris Le Bourget Airport were among those disrupted by air traffic control strike action. © Dassault Falcon Service

A two-day strike by some French air traffic controllers on Thursday and Friday has caused the cancellation of at least 40% of flights to and from the country’s airports. France’s DGAC aviation safety agency ordered a reduction in movements at Paris-area airports, including the business aviation hub at Le Bourget (LFPB), and traffic has also been severely disrupted in Nice, Lyon, Marseille and Montpellier.

Only 270 of around 1,400 French controllers joined the work stoppage. According to the UNSA-ICNA and USAC-CGT trade unions, the action has been taken to protest against what they say are unacceptable working conditions and understaffing. France’s transport minister Philippe Tabarot condemned the strike, which has disrupted the start of the country’s summer vacation season, as well as causing wider problems for airlines operating in other parts of Europe.