French Air Traffic Controllers Plan Strike During Pre-Holiday Rush
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Air traffic controllers across France have announced plans to strike for several days leading up to the peak holiday travel rush.
Staffers will walk off the job beginning at 8pm local time on Thursday until 7am on Saturday. Widespread disruptions to flights are expected on Friday. French ATC handles more flights than any other European country. Its key location makes it a crossroads for flights to and from northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
It’s not yet clear if flights departing France or into/through French airspace will have to be canceled, but the aviation regulator for the European Union, Eurocontrol, said it would take mitigating actions to limit the effect of the demonstrations. “Minimum service will be provided with precautionary measures,” Eurocontrol, said to The Independent.
Nice and Toulouse are expected to be badly affected by flight disruptions. The Toulouse Airport (TLS) encouraged travelers to verify their flights were still scheduled for departure. “Disturbances to be expected on the flight schedule,” the airport said in an alert to passengers. “We invite you to contact your airline to know the status of your flight before traveling to the airport.”
General strike in France tomorrow expected to affect ATC (starting 18.00UTC tonight). Impact anticipated mostly at beginning of shifts but Marseille ACC may be affected all day. https://t.co/TJXEhCE20V
— EUROCONTROL (@eurocontrol) December 13, 2018
The union representing French ATC workers, USAC-CGT, called for the strike as part of sweeping national labor demonstrations against French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as other working conditions, such as “continual downsizing for more than 10 years.” ATC employees in France staged a strike back in May that appeared to cause more severe disruptions.
Fortunately, it seems this round of demonstrations will wrap up before the apex of Christmas and New Year’s travel hits, with the busiest travel day for the season predicted to be Friday, Dec. 21 (at least in the US). So hopefully most holiday flyers through Europe will not see their travel plans snarled by the strike.
If your flights are delayed or canceled, check that you booked with a credit card that offers travel protections.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at US restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Accelerate your path to Medallion Status, with Status Boost®. Plus, in 2021 you can earn even more bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) to help you reach Medallion Status.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.