More airport strikes to cause chaos with fears 70% of flights could be cancelled

Posted by Admin June 5, 2024 Travel

ANOTHER strike has been confirmed at one of Europe’s busiest airports – and it could result in more cancelled flights.

Air traffic controllers at Paris Orly Airport have confirmed strike action will take place later this month.

More strikes could see 70 per cent of flights cancelled this monthCredit: Reuters

Staff from the Unsa-Inca are threatening to walk out from June 11-13, less than a month after their previous strike action.

Their previous strike, which took place between May 25-26, resulted in 70 per cent of flights cancelled to and from the airport.

The number of flights affected this time are yet to be confirmed, as it depends on the number of air traffic controllers who decide to walk out.

But there are fears a similar strike could lead to similar cancellations.

And it’s not just passengers travelling to and from Paris that are affected, as it also affects airlines flying over French airspace.

The strike action is due to disagreements over pay rises and and recruitment.

A union source told local press: “Orly is clearly relegated to second place by the DGAC compared to the other Parisian airport [Charles de Gaulle], despite the fact that it has a similar strategic importance.”

Airlines will be informed about the level of cancellations required 48 hours before by the French Civil Aviation authority.

The airlines can then decide which flights to cancel, with long-haul flights often prioritised over short-haul.

A similar strike back in April was called off at the last minute, but around 70 per cent of flights were still cancelled.

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Other airports in France were affected too, with 45 per cent-65 per cent cancelled across Paris other airports Charles de Gaulle, as well as the airport in Marseille.

France’s DGAC aviation authority warned passengers to expect a “huge impact” on travel.

How much will the French air traffic controller strikes affect me?

The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot has weighed in on the strikes:

STRIKES by French air traffic controllers will not just impact those flying in and out of Paris’ two main airports but also could cause huge disruption to flights from the UK to multiple other countries.

The strike will impact any flights that fly over French airspace and in the past this has led to thousands of flight cancellations.

And with no end in sight to the disagreement between smaller unions and French Air Traffic control over changes to working conditions and salary increases, there is a possibility that further strikes will be called during the Olympic Games in France and at the peak of the holiday season.

Ryanair has been campaigning for the EU to protect overflights by law during strikes. The last strike action in April saw it forced to cancel more than 3,000 flights impacting 50,000 travellers.

Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary said: “French air traffic controllers are free to go on strike, that’s their right, but we should be cancelling French flights, not flights leaving Ireland, going to Italy, or flights from Germany to Spain or Scandinavia to Portugal.

“The European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen has failed for five years to take any action to protect overflights and the single market for air travel.

“We’re again calling on her to take action to protect overflights which will eliminate over 90per cent of these flight cancellations.”

Ryanair was forced to cancel 300 flights in response, affecting 50,000 passengers.

It’s not just French strikes affected Brits going on holiday this year.

Border Force staff at London Heathrow walked out last week, from May 31 – June 2.

The strike was in protest over their working conditions.

Sadly Brits are unlikely to get any compensation if flights are cancelled by airport staff striking.

This is because airlines will deem this an “extraordinary circumstance” which was out of their control.

However, airlines must offer you an alternative flight (on any airline) or full refund if you decide not to travel.

Paris Orly flights will be affected the mostCredit: Alamy

Flight compensation rules

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of the “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.