Thousands of passengers are bracing for travel chaos later this month after France’s largest air traffic control union, the SNCTA, confirmed a 24-hour strike from the morning of 18th September to the evening of 19th September.
The SNCTA, which represents around 60% of France’s air traffic controllers, announced the walkout following what it described as a complete breakdown in dialogue with France’s Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC). In a statement, the union accused the DGAC of “mistrust, punitive practices and degrading management methods”, adding that fruitless discussions had blocked any chance of progress.
Widespread disruption across Europe
Controllers at all French airports, including Paris Charles-de-Gaulle, are being urged to take part, while flights crossing French airspace are also expected to be affected. This could see journeys between the UK, Spain, Italy and beyond heavily impacted. The DGAC will publish details of cancellations and delays two days before the strike, but airlines are already warning passengers to stay in close contact for updates.
Lessons from July’s strikes
The strike follows July’s industrial action by smaller unions UNSA-ICNA and USAC-CGT, which forced the cancellation of thousands of flights and disrupted over one million passengers, according to Eurocontrol. On that occasion the SNCTA held back, but its involvement this month has raised fears of even greater disruption, given its size and influence. Ryanair estimated the cost of the July strikes at more than €100 million, calling the chaos “unacceptable”.
Demands for reform and inflation-linked pay
At the heart of the SNCTA’s grievances are calls for salaries to be adjusted in line with inflation, alongside what it terms a “profound change” in operational management at the DGAC. While the union insisted it has long favoured dialogue, it says the strike has now become a last resort. With Europe’s skies already strained by staff shortages and high demand, the Principality’s travellers are advised to check their flight schedules carefully and prepare for possible long delays.
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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti