Due to President Macron’s pension reform, the French strikes continue this coming week, and air travelers should be prepared.
There will be some cancellations and delays on flights to/from France and those utilizing the French airspace, as air traffic controllers have extended their strike.
30% of flights at Paris Orly and 20% at Marseille airport have been ordered to be canceled on Monday, and the cancellation orders for Tuesday and Wednesday will be released on Monday. There will be another mass strike on Thursday that will affect air travel.
Air France has issued the following notice:
National call for strike action from 20 to 23 March, 2023
The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has asked all airlines to reduce their flight schedules to and from Paris Orly and certain French airports from 20 to 23 March, 2023 as part of the national strike action in France.
In this context, Air France plans to operate on these days 95% of its flight schedule, including all its long-haul flights and its flights to and from Paris – Charles de Gaulle. Last-minute delays and cancellations cannot be ruled out. The flight schedule is updated and customers affected by cancelled flights are notified individually by SMS and e-mail.
Commercial measures, which can be consulted hereunder allow customers to change their date of travel free of charge. Customers whose flight is cancelled will receive a credit voucher or a full refund should they no longer wish to travel.
Air France regrets this situation and is doing its utmost to limit the impact on its customers.
The EC 261/2004 law applies even in case of strikes regarding rebooking affected passengers or offering them refunds. Passengers affected are also eligible for accommodation and meals paid for by the airlines in case of long delays.
The delay compensation doesn’t apply if the cause of the delay is the strike, as this is considered something beyond the airline’s control.
Conclusion
There has been quite a bit of disruption in Europe lately, especially in France and Germany.
The French president has pushed through a reform of raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, which is not out of line compared to other European countries, but this has led to widespread demonstrations and strikes.
You should probably monitor your flights if they include flying to/from/via France or utilizing the country’s airspace.
