France: ATC strikes threaten air services

Disruption in flights originating and landing in France is expected as a three-day strike by air traffic controllers (ATCs) gets under way Dec. 5. The strike is part of much wider industrial action that is expected to affect all modes of transport, the emergency services and other public sector workers, in protest against plans to reform the country’s pension scheme. The national strike is expected to last for only 24 hours, but Air France said the country’s air traffic controllers plan to extend action until Dec. 7. As a result, the country’s civil aviation authority, the DGAC, has asked airlines to reduce flight programs to and from Paris Charles De Gaulle, Paris Orly, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse and Bordeaux airports. Air France said that on Dec. 5 the airline expects to operate all long-haul flights, 85% of medium-haul flights and “almost 70%” of domestic services. “Disruptions are also possible for 6 and 7 December, and our flight program will be adjusted the day before, following DGAC recommendations,” the airline warned Wednesday. It added that last-minute delays and cancellations could not be excluded.<br/>