French Air Traffic Control Strike Sparks Massive Cancellations Across Europe

French air traffic controllers, represented by unions UNSA‑ICNA and USAC‑CGT, have been on strike since July 3.

Strike organizers cite chronic understaffing, outdated radar and communication systems, salary erosion, and an oppressive management culture. The strike hits during the summer’s peak holiday period, compounded by France’s school holidays, which amplifies the disruption and customer anger.

As of July 3 at 3 pm CET, 463 arrivals and 455 departures were canceled in France, which is approximately 22 percent of scheduled traffic. As of July 4, Airlines for Europe, along with carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet, reported over 1,500 flights canceled, affecting nearly 300,000 passengers across France and European airspace.

The strike highlights Europe's interconnected airspace vulnerability: Over 40 national air navigation service providers manage European airspace separately, leading to fragmented governance. Flights overflying French airspace between the UK and Greece or Spain to Ireland face rerouting or cancellations.

CEO of Ryanair, Michael O’Leary, says, “It is not acceptable that flights over French airspace en route to their destination are being canceled or delayed as a result of yet another French strike.”

He demands EU intervention, including full staffing for the first wave of daily departures and protection of overflights, arguing this would prevent around 90 percent of delays and cancellations.

So far, the French government is resistant to the unions’ demands.