British Airways and Aer Lingus are among a number of airlines that have cancelled flights due to planned strikes from French air traffic controllers – the fourteenth lot of industrial action in 2016.
Ryanair has confirmed it has cancelled 22 flights this evening (September 15) and 72 flights on Thursday, with further delays likely.
Aer Lingus has published details of the services disrupted by the walkout.
The action from French air traffic control unions is over changes to pay and working conditions
BA didn’t say how many flights were affected but have introduced a flexible rebooking policy so passengers can travel on alternative dates and “avoid the main period of strike action”.
In a statement BA said: “We are expecting a further period of industrial action by French Air Traffic Control trade unions on the evening of Wednesday 14 September and throughout Thursday 15 September.
“This threatened strike action will unfortunately bring more unnecessary disruption for some customers travelling in Europe.”
The airline added: “If you are due to fly to or from any French airport (as well as Madrid and Barcelona) on Thursday 15 September, regardless of whether your flight is operating or not, you can bring your flight forward up to and including Wednesday 14 September or move it back to a date up to and including Thursday 22 September. All re-bookings are subject to availability.”
Ryanair head of communications Robin Kiely said: “It's reprehensible that Europe’s consumers repeatedly have their holiday and travel plans disrupted or cancelled by the selfish actions of ATC unions, who use strikes as a first weapon rather than a last resort. This French ATC strike will impact hundreds of thousands of European consumers and throw their travel plans into chaos once more.
“It’s high time that the European Commission takes action to prevent these repeated ATC strikes from continuously disrupting the travel plans of millions of Europe’s citizens and their families.”
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