Thousands of passengers across Europe are bracing for major travel chaos as Ryanair flights cancelled next week could soar to as many as 600 per day. The disruption is being driven by a planned French air traffic controllers strike, with unions announcing walkouts between October 7 and October 10.
According to Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary, the strike could affect nearly 100,000 passengers each day, as flights over France will be forced to ground or reroute, creating a ripple effect across the continent. Routes between the UK and popular holiday destinations like Spain, Italy, and Greece are expected to face the most severe disruption due to their reliance on French airspace.
Up to 100,000 Passengers Affected Daily
Ryanair has warned that the upcoming French air traffic controllers strike could be one of the most disruptive of the year. O’Leary stated that the airline expects to receive orders to cancel up to 600 flights per day, though the final number will depend on how airspace is managed during the strikes.
The airline has already faced several smaller disruptions in recent weeks. On September 18, a separate strike by French unions caused more than 190 Ryanair flights to be delayed, affecting 35,000 passengers. Just this Thursday, about 30 Ryanair flights were cancelled as industrial action escalated.
O’Leary described the ongoing cancellations as unacceptable, stressing that while unions have the right to strike, it should not result in overflights — flights that pass through French airspace but do not land there — being cancelled.
Ryanair Urges EU to Act
In a strong statement, O’Leary urged European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to step in and ensure that overflights are protected.
“We cannot have a situation in the EU where we have a single market yet we close that market every time the French go on strike,” O’Leary said. “They have the right to strike, but if flights are to be cancelled, they should be flights arriving to and from France. They should not be overflights.”
The Ryanair chief suggested that Eurocontrol, the body that oversees air traffic management in Europe, could be tasked with handling overflights during strikes to reduce disruption.
Wider Impact Beyond Ryanair
While Ryanair has been the most vocal in its criticism, the French air traffic controllers strike will affect multiple airlines. Carriers like EasyJet and British Airways are also likely to face cancellations and delays, though they have not yet released specific estimates.
Beyond strikes, European aviation has been under strain due to staff shortages in air traffic control centers, lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, and restrictions caused by the closure of Ukrainian and Russian airspace. These factors have compounded the impact of industrial action, leading to more frequent delays and cancellations across the region.
Passengers Face Uncertainty
For passengers, the uncertainty is mounting. Airlines often receive confirmation of how many flights need to be cancelled only shortly before strike action begins, making it difficult for travelers to plan alternatives in advance.
Industry groups are warning that without stronger EU protections for overflights, passengers across Europe will continue to be unfairly impacted whenever French unions take strike action. Many passengers have voiced frustration on social media, pointing to repeated disruptions during peak travel periods.
The prospect of Ryanair flights cancelled during the upcoming French air traffic controllers strike is a stark reminder of how vulnerable European aviation remains to industrial disputes. With up to 600 daily cancellations predicted and nearly 100,000 passengers affected each day, the disruption could be massive.
Ryanair continues to pressure EU leaders for reforms to safeguard overflights, but until then, travelers may need to prepare for delays and cancellations whenever strikes are announced in France.
As the strike approaches, passengers are advised to check flight status regularly, stay updated with their airline’s communication channels, and consider flexible travel arrangements.
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