The CEO of British Airways parent company IAG has called on British and French governments to help minimise the impact of air traffic control strikes in France.
The latest action, 43rd strike day in France since 2009, will start March 30 and last at least 36 hours.
The last two-day strike caused over 1,000 flight cancellations with more than one million passengers affected.
IAG chief executive Willie Walsh said the “cynical targeting” of Easter holidays by the unions is causing “uncertainty” and “disruption”.
“Flights to France and those which overfly the country are affected which, due to its size and geographic location, means major cancellations and delays,” said Walsh.
“We urge the British government to work with the French government to minimise the impact of strike action,” he added.
Airlines4Europe (A4E), the aviation lobby group set up in 2015 comprising of Air France-KLM, Easyjet, IAG, Finnair, Lufthansa, Norwegian and Ryanair, said the industrial action by French air traffic controllers is “seriously impacting” thousands of passengers’ travel plans.
A4E managing director Thomas Reynaert said: “It is unacceptable that airlines and their customers can be repeatedly punished by these unjustified strikes. We call on the European Commission to act immediately to defend consumers.”
He said the negative impact of ATC strikes on European Aviation is a key issue for A4E airlines and their customers.
“We are currently working on an immediate action plan to minimise strike effects on both local traffic and overflights. But we also need the European Commission to remain at the helm of implementing a European Aviation Strategy without disruptions and to the benefit of travellers. This must be a priority,” Reynaert added.
When it formed last year A4E outlined three main issues it would campaign on:
- Reduction of European airport costs
- Provide safe and efficient airspace by reducing the cost of air traffic control
- Stimulate greater economic activity and employment by creating an appropriate regulatory framework
The airlines between them carry more than 50 per cent of passengers in Europe.
Sign up to BBT’s twice-weekly newsletter