Travellers heading to France and Italy are facing disruption on Tuesday (July 5) due to a series of strikes in both countries.
French air traffic controllers are set to take their latest industrial action as part of another national strike across France in protest at changes to labour laws.
Aviation group Airlines for Europe (A4E) said it expected that there would be more than 300 flight cancellations due to the French ATC strike.
Carlson Wagonlit Travel said in an advisory note to clients: “Travel disruptions affecting air, rail, road and public transit are possible. Marches with the potential to cause traffic congestion are also to be anticipated, particularly in Paris.”
Flight delays and cancellations are also likely in Italy due to a 24-hour strike by ground handlers at the country’s airports, while staff at Alitalia are also due to take part in a four-hour stoppage from 11am local time.
The French ATC strike caused Ryanair to cancel some flights and warned that “further flight delays and cancellations are likely”.
Air France said: “Delays are expected on our flights and last-minute cancellations can also be foreseen. Please take your precautions to arrive at the airport as public transportation could be disrupted.”
British Airways has introduced a “more flexible” rebooking policy for customers affected by the French strike.
“This strike will be the 12th day of industrial action in the past three months by French air traffic controllers and will unfortunately bring yet another day of unnecessary disruption for some customers travelling in Europe,” said the airline.
“We are sorry that your flight could face disruption, which is beyond our control, and we recognise that you may not wish to travel as a result.”
TMC Capita said that industrial action was also likely to affect flights to Italy.
“A series of strikes by unionised employees within the aviation sector is set to result in travel disruption to flight services across Italy,” warned Capita. “We advise travellers to monitor local media and to anticipate flight delays and cancellations.”