Flights scrapped as French air traffic controllers strike
9 April 2015 6:16 AM IST
The civil aviation authority has asked airlines to scrap around 40 percent of flights, warning of “disruption across the whole country.” Flag carrier Air France warned of “very severe disruption” to its flight schedule. Although it pledged to operate “almost all” long-haul flights, medium and short-haul services would be badly affected, it said.
“We cannot rule out last-minute delays and cancellations,” the airline added. Low-cost operator Ryanair said it had been forced to cancel more than 250 flights due to the industrial action. “It’s grossly unfair that thousands of European travellers will once again have their travel plans disrupted by the selfish actions of a tiny number of French ... workers,” the Irish airline fumed.
Passengers had been warned well in advance and seemed to have made other plans. The situation in Paris terminals was relatively calm. “The companies have done what was needed. For the moment, there are no difficulties,” one airport source said.
The strike was called by the main air traffic union SNCTA, which wants talks over the specific working conditions of their members. A particular bone of contention is the pushing back of the retirement age for air traffic controllers from 57 to 59. The union insists that for the past 10 years, talks over working conditions have taken place outside the formal structure for union-management negotiations.
“We cannot rule out last-minute delays and cancellations,” the airline added. Low-cost operator Ryanair said it had been forced to cancel more than 250 flights due to the industrial action. “It’s grossly unfair that thousands of European travellers will once again have their travel plans disrupted by the selfish actions of a tiny number of French ... workers,” the Irish airline fumed.
Passengers had been warned well in advance and seemed to have made other plans. The situation in Paris terminals was relatively calm. “The companies have done what was needed. For the moment, there are no difficulties,” one airport source said.
The strike was called by the main air traffic union SNCTA, which wants talks over the specific working conditions of their members. A particular bone of contention is the pushing back of the retirement age for air traffic controllers from 57 to 59. The union insists that for the past 10 years, talks over working conditions have taken place outside the formal structure for union-management negotiations.
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