Ryanair and easyJet have cancelled dozens of flights as French air traffic controllers start their 14th strike this year.
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In a statement on its website, the airline said: “Unfortunately, if the threatened strike does go ahead, we will have to cancel some flights and other short haul flights may also experience some delays and disruption, given how many flights would normally use French airspace each day”.
Meanwhile easyJet has axed 64 flights scheduled for Thursday, including 22 due to operate from or to the UK.
Europe’s new and largest airline association, Airlines for Europe (A4E) – which includes a mix of legacy and low-priced carriers such as Air France KLM, Lufthansa Group, easyJet and Ryanair – says that airlines have been asked to reduce capacity by 15%.
“A4E has repeatedly called on the European authorities to take action to prevent these unjustified ATC strikes”.
BA didn’t say how many flights were affected but have introduced a flexible rebooking policy so passengers can travel on alternative dates and “avoid the main period of strike action”.
The flag carrier will use larger aircraft where possible to enable passengers whose flights are cancelled to reach their destination.
British Airways said that French air traffic control trade unions “are causing unnecessary frustration and disruption for customers”.
This is the 14th strike by the French ATC unions this year in their ongoing dispute with the government over staffing and pay.
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“It’s high time that the European Commission takes action to prevent these repeated… strikes from continuously disrupting the travel plans of millions of Europe’s citizens and their families”.
