Thousands Disrupted as Ryanair and easyJet Cancel Flights Due to French Air Traffic Control Strikes

Strategic Insights -

Ryanair has cancelled 170 flights and easyJet has cancelled 124 flights due to French air traffic control strikes, disrupting travel plans for over 30,000 passengers. The strikes affect flights to and from France, as well as flights over the country to destinations such as the UK, Greece, Spain, and Ireland. EasyJet has advised passengers to check the status of their flights as the disruption is expected to continue over the next two days.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ryanair cancelled 170 flights on Thursday and Friday due to the French air traffic control strikes, affecting over 30,000 passengers.
  • EasyJet cancelled 124 flights on Thursday and is scrapping 150 flights tomorrow, also due to the strikes.
  • The strikes are causing significant disruption to travel plans, particularly during the peak European summer holiday season.
  • Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has renewed calls for EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to reform European Union air traffic control services.
  • EasyJet echoed the plea, asking for "long-term solutions" to prevent repeated disruption caused by French air traffic control strikes.
  • Airlines have long campaigned for an overhaul of ATC services across Europe to minimize delays and cancellations.
  • Ryanair wants the EU to ensure ATC services are fully staffed for the first wave of daily departures and protect overflights during national ATC strikes.
  • Ryanair believes these reforms would eliminate 90% of all ATC delays and cancellations, protecting EU passengers from repeated disruption.

Statistics:

  • 30,000+ passengers affected by Ryanair flight cancellations.
  • 170 flights cancelled by Ryanair on Thursday and Friday.
  • 124 flights cancelled by easyJet on Thursday.
  • 150 flights to be scrapped by easyJet tomorrow.
  • 800+ flights cancelled by Ryanair last month due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Sources:

  • PA Wire
  • Ryanair
  • EasyJet