Air traffic controllers' strikes in France cause cancellation of 170 Ryanair flights
The ongoing air traffic controller strikes in France on July 3 and 4, 2025, are causing havoc across Europe, affecting over 30,000 Ryanair passengers and many others. The strikes, led by the UNSA-ICNA and USAC-CGT unions, are demanding increased staffing levels and pay rises, citing issues like "toxic" and "authoritarian" management[1][3][4].
The impact of these walkouts, coinciding with the start of the summer holiday season, one of the busiest travel periods in Europe, is significant. Airlines have been instructed by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) to cut flights by 25% at Paris airports and up to 50% at regional hubs such as Marseille, Bastia, Calvi, Lyon, and others[1][3][5]. This reduction in flights may result in delays, cancellations, and diversions, impacting not only French airports but also international routes passing through French airspace, due to France's central location in European air traffic[5].
Ryanair and other airlines are warning passengers about potential disruptions and are communicating changes via email or SMS to affected travelers[2]. Airlines have been urged to reduce flight schedules proactively to manage the limited air traffic control capacity and limit chaos on the ground and in the skies[1][3][5]. Passengers are advised to check flight statuses regularly and consider changing their travel dates if possible, expecting significant delays[3].
Some airlines and aviation authorities are exploring rerouting flights to avoid French airspace where feasible, but this is limited and may increase travel times and congestion on other routes[4][5]. Discussions are ongoing at political and industry levels about the need to address the root causes: understaffing, burnout, and system fragmentation in French and European air traffic control[4].
The Ryanair CEO, Michael O'Leary, has called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take urgent action to reform air traffic control services in the European Union[2]. However, it is not clear whether this new strike will add to the cancellations announced by Ryanair.
The strikes represent a critical challenge for European aviation this summer, with Ryanair passengers among those most affected due to flight cancellations and delays. The situation underscores a deeper systemic issue requiring urgent structural reforms in air traffic management[1][3][4][5].
[1] BBC News (2025). Ryanair cancels 170 flights due to French air traffic controller strikes. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59918253 [2] The Guardian (2025). Ryanair cancels 170 flights due to French air traffic controller strikes. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jul/03/ryanair-cancels-170-flights-due-to-french-air-traffic-controller-strikes [3] Sky News (2025). French air traffic controller strikes disrupt thousands of flights. [online] Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/french-air-traffic-controller-strikes-disrupt-thousands-of-flights-12508385 [4] Reuters (2025). French air traffic controller strikes to hit European flights. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-and-defence/french-air-traffic-controller-strikes-hit-european-flights-2025-07-02/ [5] The Independent (2025). French air traffic controller strikes: What you need to know. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/french-air-traffic-controller-strikes-what-you-need-to-know-b1982363.html
- The union's demand for increased staffing levels and pay rises in the employment policy, coupled with concerns about toxic and authoritarian management in the community policy, has led to disruptions in the travel industry, particularly affecting Ryanair passengers.
- The ongoing strike, which severely impacts lifestyles and travel plans for thousands of people, has also brought general-news attention to the broader issues of understaffing, burnout, and system fragmentation in European air traffic policy, necessitating urgent structural reforms.
