05/07/2016

French ATC Strike Forces Ryanair And Aer Lingus Flight Cancellations

A French air traffic control (ATC) strike has forced Ryanair and Aer Lingus to cancel a number of flights to and from France and Spain today, 05 July.

Ryanair cancelled 102 flights, while Aer Lingus had to cancel eight flights after the French ATC began their 13th strike in 14 weeks.

Ryanair's Kenny Jacobs has now called on the EU Commission to introduce measures which would alleviate the impact of frequent ATC strikes on European citizens.

He said: "These unacceptable French strikes have become weekly events by now, aimed at causing maximum disruption for families and business passengers, which is why we are calling on the European Commission to take action to prevent these ATC strikes from disrupting the travel plans of Europe's citizens and their families.

"The recent Brexit vote underlines that the EU Commission must begin to deliver real benefits for Europe's consumers, and show families and holiday makers that Europe is on their side and will not allow a small group of French ATC unions to repeatedly close the skies over Europe."

To view the cancelled flights, visit here for Ryanair and here for Aer Lingus.

(LM/CD)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

28 September 2010
Ryanair Calls For EU Action Over Strike
Ireland's budget carrier Ryanair has urged the EU to take action over the imminent strike action by Spanish air traffic controllers. The no frills said last night it will operate "hand baggage only" flights to and from the country on Wednesday this week to combat the 24 hour strike.
08 April 2016
Ryanair Cancels Over 100 Flights Following Italian ATC Strike
Ryanair has cancelled over 100 flights scheduled to and from Italy tomorrow, 09 April due to a strike by Italian air traffic controllers (ATC). A total of 108 flights have been halted due to what Ryanair described as 'unjustified strikes'.
24 June 2014
Ryanair Forced To Cancel 26 Flights To France
Ryanair has been forced to cancel 26 flights today, 24 June, following a strike by French air traffic controllers. The airline is now urging the French Government and EU Commission to remove the right to strike from Europe's air traffic controllers. Customers have been told to expect further cancellations and delays on Wednesday.
10 October 2013
Ryanair Forced To Cancel 70 Flights
Ryanair has been forced to cancel more than 70 flights to and from France today (Thursday 10 October) due to planned industrial action by French air traffic controllers. The strike will have the largest impact in the southern of France, but is also impacting on flights that fly over the country.
01 March 2010
Ryanair Passenger Eats €10,000 Scratch Card
Ryanair have revealed that a male passenger aboard a flight ate his winning scratch card worth €10,000 after being told he would have to wait until landing before claiming his prize.