British tourists could face a “black Thursday” ahead of a mass walkout at French airports.

French air traffic controllers have been called out on strike on Thursday, April 25 and up to 70 percent of flights could be cancelled.

The controllers are protesting against what they consider to be an “unacceptable” new version of a protocol currently being negotiated to change air navigation services.

Air Traffic Controllers play a crucial role in managing the safe and efficient movement of air traffic, both on the ground and in the airspace.

Their responsibilities include coordinating takeoffs, landings and en-route traffic to ensure the overall safety of air travel.

The SNCTA – which is the main air traffic controllers’ union said on its website: “It is clear that this new version, which was supposed to advance the social aspects that were insufficient or even non-existent until now, remains very far below the expectations of air traffic controllers and presents profoundly unacceptable setbacks which can only lead to social conflict.

“The national committee condemns this management of negotiations, the aim of which, clearly, is rather to move forward on the breakdown of a social contract than on meeting the expectations of the profession in terms of remuneration, career and revaluation of the profession.”

It added: “It is illusory to think that this situation, disrespectful of the work carried out over the past fifteen months and of the entire profession, could be compatible with the ambitions displayed.”

The union – along with another union, UNSA-UTCAC – refused to take part in an urgent meeting organised by the DGAC – which is the French Civil Aviation Authority. French media has been calling the potential strike “black Thursday”.

However, DGAC told Le Figaro that it “has no figures to give on the participation rate of the mobilisation”.

And it added “conciliation is still on the agenda, and we are confident that a solution will be found” by Thursday, says the administration.

The negotiations began 15 months ago and plan to overhaul the organisation of air traffic control in France – in particular the territorial coverage of air navigation services.

The plans also look to reorganise the work of air traffic controllers to cope with the predicted increase in air traffic in return for higher pay and recruitment.