French Air Traffic Control Strike Averted, Preventing Widespread Travel Disruption

Strike Notice Suspended After Negotiations

France's primary air traffic control union, the Syndicat National des Contrôleurs du Trafic Aérien (SNCTA), has announced the suspension of its planned industrial action scheduled for October 7-9, 2025. The decision, made public around October 4-6, 2025, came after constructive negotiations with the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), the French Civil Aviation Authority. This development spares thousands of travelers across Europe from potential widespread flight disruptions.

The union, which represents approximately 70% of French air traffic controllers, had initially issued the strike notice to press for improved pay, better working conditions, and reforms within air traffic control governance.

Reasons Behind the Industrial Action and Resolution

The SNCTA's demands centered on several key issues, including:

• Inflation-adjusted salary increases
• Addressing what the union described as 'mistrust, punitive practices, and brutal managerial methods' within the DGAC
• Reforms to improve the long-term functioning of the air traffic control sector
• Concerns over staffing shortages and training programs

The resolution of the dispute was also influenced by a political concession from Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who reportedly decided against using Article 49.3 of the French Constitution to push through the 2026 budget proposal without a parliamentary vote. This move was seen as a significant factor in creating a more conducive environment for negotiations.

Potential Impact of the Averted Strike

Had the strike proceeded, it would have caused substantial disruption not only to flights within and to France but also to those overflying French airspace, which serves as a vital corridor for European air travel.

Airlines had braced for significant cancellations, with Ryanair, Europe's largest airline, warning that the industrial action could have led to the cancellation of approximately 600 flights per day, impacting up to 100,000 passengers daily. The airline had estimated potential losses of €23 million due to the disruption. Previous air traffic control strikes in July 2025 had already resulted in tens of thousands of passengers experiencing delays or cancellations.

Ongoing Dialogue and Future Outlook

While the immediate threat of disruption has been lifted, the SNCTA has clarified that the strike notice was suspended, not entirely withdrawn. This indicates that discussions between the union and the DGAC are ongoing, focusing on staffing, schedules, modernization efforts, and safety protocols. The Ministry of Transport welcomed the cancellation, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue to enhance the performance of French air traffic control. Travelers are advised to remain informed, as future developments from these ongoing talks could influence travel reliability in the coming months.