Potential European Travel Disruptions Due to French Air Traffic Strike, Sept 18-19
Thousands of travelers are bracing for major disruptions as France’s largest air traffic control union, SNCTA, has confirmed a 24-hour strike from September 18, 2025, to September 19, 2025. This strike is expected to involve approximately 60% of France’s air traffic controllers, following a breakdown in negotiations with France’s Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) over labor conditions and staffing concerns.
The strike is set to significantly impact all major French airports, including Paris Charles-de-Gaulle, as well as international flights passing through French airspace. Major airlines, such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Air France, are expected to face substantial delays, cancellations, and potential rerouting. This will affect routes to the UK, Spain, Italy, and beyond.
Given that French airspace is one of the busiest in Europe, this strike will have wide-reaching impacts on both domestic and international flights, creating significant turbulence for passengers across the continent. Airlines are advising travelers to stay updated as the disruptions could severely affect travel plans during what is typically a busy travel period.
The SNCTA union represents air traffic controllers across France. This action underscores ongoing labor tensions in the aviation industry as it continues recovering from pandemic-related challenges.
Source: Travel and Tour World