French airports brace for "black day" as controllers announce major strike
French air traffic controllers are gearing up for one of their most significant strikes in recent years on Thursday, April 25th. This could lead to many cancellations, and aircraft intending to fly through French airspace that day may also encounter issues.
23 April 2024 18:53
French media are labelling the upcoming strike on Thursday, April 25th, as a "black day" ("journée noire") for airports. Air traffic controllers are organizing what's expected to be among the largest walkouts in recent memory.
As reported by rmf24.pl, union members are pressing for salary increases. They argue that wage discussions, which have been ongoing for over a year, have not yielded favourable outcomes.
The leading union, SNCTA, representing over 60% of air traffic controllers, expects a "record turnout". They caution passengers about significant delays and a high likelihood of flight cancellations.
According to euronews.com, the strike is slated to last 24 hours and, according to industry websites, could result in up to 70% of flights to and from French airports being cancelled.
Additionally, aircraft that require entry into French airspace could face challenges, even if they do not land or depart from France.
Analysts suggest that, given the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, the French government will likely seek a swift resolution to this dispute.
Source: RMF24/Euronews/WP
