Personnel should reconfirm flights scheduled for 10 October due to a planned strike on the day by two French air traffic control unions, the UNSA-ICNA and SPAC-CFDT. The French civil aviation authorities have urged airlines to reduce flights on the day by 10% due to the threatened walkout, which is expected to primarily impact flights to or from southern France, Spain, Portugal and North Africa. The industrial action is being organised in protest at the European Commission (EC)’s ‘single sky’ proposal to restructure European airspace, which air traffic controllers claim would threaten their jobs and passenger safety.

The broader European air traffic controllers’ union, ATCEUC, had initially planned to strike over the issue on 10 October, but called off the action to resume negotiations with the EC.

Travel Advice

• We do not hold information on specific flights. If flying to or from affected areas on the day, contact your carrier or check the relevant airport’s website for information on changes to flight schedules.
• Arrive early at the airport or check-in online to prevent your seat from being reallocated to a standby passenger.
• Residual disruption is likely even after the work stoppage concludes as airlines attempt to clear the backlog of passengers and reschedule cancelled flights. Anticipate delays and reconfirm bookings for flights scheduled after the walkout concludes.
• Monitor the local media and our regional travel security alerts for further updates on the planned strike.