Hundreds of flights across Europe have been cancelled, and many more delayed, due to the latest strike by French air-traffic controllers. An estimated 100,000 passengers have had their flights grounded. Members of the main air-traffic unions stopped work Monday night and will continue until early Wednesday morning, as part of a national strike against the labour reform policies of President Macron. Airlines have been told to cut three out of 10 flights. Many others have been diverted around French airspace, extending journey times and causing additional congestion. The pressure group Airlines For Europe claims that seven out of 10 air traffic control strikes since 2005 have been by French controllers. <br/>
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Thai airlines are reactivating stalled international expansion plans now that the ICAO has confirmed it is removing Thailand's red flag over safety concerns. At least three airlines affected by the restrictions said they will take steps to launch services to certain countries that have been observing the restrictions. Thai AirAsia X, Thai Lion Air and NokScoot said they will set in motion plans to operate new routes and use different aircraft types on flights to Japan and South Korea. The airlines expect to establish regular service to their target countries in the first half of next year, pending business plans and regulatory approval. Aviation leaders described the move as the dawn of a new era, liberalising the industry and regaining global credentials that were tarnished by the red flag status. <br/>