French Air Traffic Control Union Announces Major Strike, Threatening Widespread European Flight Disruption

Air Traffic Controllers to Strike October 7-10

French air traffic controllers, represented by the country's largest union, the SNCTA (Syndicat National des Contrôleurs du Trafic Aérien), have announced a significant strike action. The walkout is scheduled to commence from the start of duty on the morning of October 7, 2025, and will continue until the end of night duty on the morning of October 10, 2025. This industrial action is poised to create widespread flight disruptions across France and throughout European airspace.

Reasons Behind the Industrial Action

The SNCTA union has cited a 'long list of grievances' as the basis for the strike. Key demands and concerns include:

• Allegations of 'mistrust, punitive practices, and brutal managerial methods' within air traffic control governance.
• A call for the restoration of pay, which the union states has been eroded by inflation.
• Concerns regarding staffing shortages, outdated equipment, and demanding working conditions.

Anticipated Impact on European Air Travel

The strike is expected to lead to extensive flight cancellations and delays, affecting not only flights to and from French airports but also those overflying French airspace. Major French airports, including Charles de Gaulle, Nice, and Lyon, are likely to experience significant disruption. Airlines such as Ryanair have already warned of substantial impact, with estimates suggesting up to 700 cancellations and affecting approximately 125,000 passengers. Other carriers, including British Airways and easyJet, have also advised passengers to anticipate delays and cancellations. The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) is expected to issue directives on required flight reductions two days prior to the strike's commencement.

Previous Actions and Context

This upcoming strike follows a similar action in July 2025 by smaller unions, which resulted in nearly 3,000 cancellations and an estimated cost of €120 million to the aviation industry. The current action by the SNCTA, representing a larger proportion of controllers, is anticipated to have a similar or potentially more severe impact. The strike was originally planned for September 18-19 but was postponed after the collapse of Prime Minister François Bayrou's government, allowing the union to engage with the new administration.