Thousands of Passengers Affected Across Europe
A strike by air traffic controllers in France caused serious travel problems on Thursday, with hundreds of flights delayed or cancelled. The strike hit flights in and out of Paris, as well as many other parts of Europe.
Airlines said that around 75% of flights were on time, but many travelers still faced big delays. The strike was part of a protest over job conditions and changes in France’s aviation system.
What Happened During the Strike
- The strike began early Thursday and affected major airports, including Charles de Gaulle and Orly in Paris.
- Airlines such as Air France, EasyJet, and Ryanair had to cancel or reschedule many flights.
- European air travel was affected, even for flights not landing in France, because of the country’s central airspace location.
Why the Controllers Are Protesting
- The air traffic controllers are against a new law that changes how air traffic is managed in France.
- They say the changes could lead to fewer jobs and heavier workloads.
- Their union wants more staff and better working conditions before accepting the new system.
Impact on Travelers
- Thousands of passengers were left waiting in airports.
- Some people missed important connections or had to stay overnight.
- Airlines warned passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Europe’s Sky Gets Crowded
- France controls a large portion of Europe’s airspace, so delays in France can affect routes over many countries.
- Airlines said they would try to return to normal operations by Friday, but travelers should still expect delays.