France: Flight chaos as French air-traffic staff prepare walk out

Hundreds of flights to, from or via France face cancellation as the air-traffic control strike season begins. At 6pm British time on Wednesday 21 March, some French air-traffic controllers will stop work in protest against labour reforms. The action will continue until 5am on Friday 23 March. All airlines have been told to reduce their operations, typically by 30%t. The greatest impact is expected to be in the south and west of France, affecting flights linking the UK with Spain, Italy and Switzerland. The UK air-traffic provider, Nats, is bringing in more staff to cope with an increased workload as flights divert around France. Air France said it intends to operate all its long-haul schedule, and will make cuts to shorter flights. In addition, the airline warns that “last-minute delays and cancellations can be expected”. British Airways has already cancelled seven outbound flights on Wednesday afternoon and evening. As well as French services to Marseille, Nice, Paris and Toulouse, flights to Barcelona, Basel and Geneva have been grounded. On Friday, before the air-traffic strike ends, Air France workers will begin a strike. Several unions representing the airline’s staff have called a stoppage for the day in protest against rationalisation plans. <br/>