More travel chaos as French air traffic controllers strike again

MORE than 100 UK flights have been cancelled due to yet another strike by French air traffic controllers, the 14th so far this year.

Several major carriers, including Ryanair, have been affected, with the low cost specialist saying it has axed 22 flights on Wednesday, September 14, and a further 72 on Thursday.

Robin Kiely, head of communications at Ryanair, said: “It’s reprehensible that Europe’s consumers repeatedly have their holiday and travel plans disrupted or cancelled by the selfish actions of ATC unions, who use strikes as a first weapon rather than a last resort.

“This French ATC strike will impact hundreds of thousands of European consumers and throw their travel plans into chaos once more.

“It’s high time that the European Commission takes action to prevent these repeated ATC strikes from continuously disrupting the travel plans of millions of Europe’s citizens and their families.”

easyJet has also been forced to abort a number of flights, and their statement said: “Due to a French Public Services strike including Air Traffic Controllers on September 15, easyJet, like other airlines flying to and from France has had to cancel 64 flights, including 22 which fly to or from the UK. We are also expecting other flights to experience delays.

“easyJet is disappointed at this unnecessary strike action causing further disruption for passengers and airlines across Europe.”

British Airways has urged passengers to check its website for updates, offering customers due to fly to or from France on Thursday the chance to rebook.

Spanish budget carrier Vueling has also cancelled flights from Palma de Mallorca to Nantes, and Barcelona to Paris.

Three flights to Malaga airport have been affected, as well as routes to or from Murcia, Alicante, Reus and Valencia.

The strike is due to run until 6am on September 16.