What to know about the French airport strikes in October

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestylePassengers at a French airport during the air traffic control strikes in summer (AP)The main French air traffic control union, SNCTA, is planning a strike from 7 to 10 October 2025, which is expected to cause widespread flight cancellations and delays across western Europe. The union's grievances include alleged “mistrust, punitive practices, and brutal managerial methods” within air traffic control governance, alongside demands for pay restoration due to inflation. Tens of thousands of passengers are likely to have their journeys cancelled, with a previous strike by smaller unions causing almost 3,000 cancellations and an estimated €120m cost to the aviation industry. Flights overflying French airspace, particularly those between the UK and Mediterranean destinations, are expected to suffer disproportionate disruption. Airlines are legally obliged to re-route passengers and provide accommodation for cancelled flights, regardless of the strike's cause, a situation criticised by Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary who urged the European Commission to protect overflights. In fullFrench air traffic control strike: What does the October walkout mean for your flight?Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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