The French Air Traffic Controllers are on strike on May 1, 2023, affecting flights from 6 PM on April 30 until 6 AM on May 2.
Airlines are told to cancel 33% of flights at Orly Airport and 25% at Paris Charles de Gaulle. In addition, the strike will affect flights that use French airspace, as overfly flights are also affected.
Air France has issued the following guidance:
Strike action of air traffic controllers planned on May 01, 2023
Updated: April 27, 2023 4:45 PM Paris local time
Following a strike by air traffic controllers, te French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has requested all airlines to reduce their flight schedule to and from certain French airports on May 1, 2023.
On this day, Air France plans to operate:
- all its long-haul flights,
- nearly 7 out of 10 flights on its short and medium-haul network.
Last-minute delays and cancellations cannot be ruled out.
The flight schedule is currently being updated. Customers affected by cancelled flights will be notified individually by SMS and e-mail or via the Air France application.
Commercial measures can be consulted below, allowing customers to bring forward or postpone their flight free of charge and, for customers whose flight is cancelled, a voucher or a full refund in the event that they no longer travel.
Air France regrets this strike action and is doing everything possible to limit the impact on its customers.
Passenger Rights
European Union EC 261/2004 Air Passengers’ rights do apply in case of strikes, but the requirement of delay compensation doesn’t not.
Airlines must rebook affected passengers to their final destination at the earliest opportunity, even when this means moving them to competing carriers.
Airlines are also responsible for Duty to Care which means meals and accommodation in case of long delays.
Passengers can also opt for a refund (their choice) if the flight is canceled or significantly delayed.
Conclusion
The French President tries to push through a minor pension reform that many in France are vehemently against, hence these strikes and frequent demonstrations.
You should monitor your flights to/from/through France from late Sunday to early Tuesday for delays and cancellations.
These strikes are getting close to home, as I am flying back to Europe on Monday for the next five weeks. My travel so far has not been affected, but I believe I will eventually run out of luck.