A strike by air traffic controllers in France is expected to severely impact flight to/from/over France during 2 days.
The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has requested a nationwide reduction in airport capacity, prompting airlines to cancel numerous flights.
The strike, called by UNSA-ICNA—the country’s second-largest air traffic control union—is scheduled for 3 and 4 July. The union cited “toxic” and “authoritarian” management as key reasons for the action, and is demanding higher staffing levels and pay increases. A recent meeting with the DGAC failed to resolve the dispute.
However, SNCTA—the largest union representing around 60% of French air traffic controllers—has not joined the strike.
Which flights to be affected?
The DGAC has instructed airlines on the number of flights that must be cancelled. The hardest-hit areas will be Paris and airports in southern France.
- At Paris Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais airports, 25% of flights will be cancelled.
- On 3 July, more than 50% of flights to and from Nice airport are expected to be cancelled.
- Similar cancellations will occur at Bastia and Calvi airports in Corsica.
- Airlines have also been told to reduce flight operations by 30% at Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Ajaccio, and Figari.
Impact Beyond France
The strikes may also affect overflights—aircraft passing through French airspace—which could lead to broader delays across Europe.
Implementation of Mininum Service
- Marseille ACC East : implemented all day, very high impact expected
- Marseille ACC West : possibility to remove on part of the day, sectors offer below
normal operations, high impact expected - Paris ACC East : removal of minimum service in mid-morning, high impact expected
- Paris ACC West : removal of Minimum service in early morning, moderate impact
expected - Brest ACC : removal of Minimum service in morning, moderate impact, at 1400 UTC
return to Minimum Service and high impact for the rest of day - Nice : no possibility to remove, very high impact expected
- Marseille : removal except during night and medium impact
- Bale : no possibility to remove, high impact
- Montpellier : MS removal in morning, moderate impact
- Bordeaux : removal of MS and moderate impact
- Bastia : no removal, moderate to high impact
The DGAC warned that “despite these preventative measures, disruptions and significant delays are expected at all French airports.” Passengers are advised to check with their airline for updates and, if possible, consider rescheduling their travel plans.
A recent law aimed at minimizing disruption requires striking air traffic controllers to notify their employers at least 48 hours in advance, but the scale of the action means widespread disruption remains likely.
