A few days before Christmas, a “local strike notice” will put travelers in difficulty.
Bad news for travellers. A few days before Christmas, a new social mobilization of air traffic controllers will interrupt activity at several French airports on Tuesday 17 December. Flight cancellations and delays are therefore expected.
In a press release issued on Monday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) indicated that a “Local strike notice” concerning the air navigation services of Lyon, ajaccio and Montpellier.This social movement will lead to delays “all day” at Corsica airport,as well as the cancellation of all flights to Montpellier,Nîmes and Perpignan,on Tuesday. Travel will not resume until Wednesday morning. Similarly, in Lyon Saint-Exupéry, 60% of flights were cancelled, from 6am to 11pm.
As the DGAC points out, the notification of the strike was presented by the sector’s majority union, the SNCTA. In a press releasehe reported “the arduous context in which negotiations on work organization take place”. “The national commitee strongly condemns the sudden end of negotiations on the organization of work of the organizations of Ajaccio, Lyon and Montpellier for 2025. Forgetting respect and social dialog,the DSNA chooses rupture and deprives air traffic controllers of visibility of these control centers”he added. This cessation of discussions “unacceptable” led to this Tuesday’s mobilization.
Travelers have already seen their flights canceled several times in recent weeks. This is what happened on November 14, during a strike launched by the National Union of Airline Pilots – SNPL – against the increase in taxes on airline tickets. Ditto on December 5, when the interprofessional mobilization against the measures of the 2025 budget project carried out by the former government of Michel Barnier caused disruption in several platforms, such as Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle or Marseille and Toulouse.
What impact will the air traffic controller strike in France have on international flights?
Interview: The Implications of the Upcoming Air Traffic Controller Strike in France
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have with us Dr. Claire Dupont, an aviation expert with over 15 years of experience in air traffic management. With the recent announcement of a local strike by air traffic controllers in France, we’ll be discussing what this means for travelers during the holiday season and the broader implications for the aviation industry. Thank you for joining us, Dr. dupont.
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time for travelers, and I’m happy to provide some insight.
Editor: To start, can you explain what prompted the “local strike notice” that will affect major French airports just days before Christmas?
Dr. Dupont: Certainly. The strike notice was initiated due to frustrations among air traffic controllers concerning ongoing negotiations regarding work institution in Ajaccio, Lyon, and Montpellier for the year 2025. The majority union, SNCTA, indicated that the abrupt end of negotiations has created an “arduous context” for controllers, ultimately leading to this strike. With significant flight cancellations and delays expected, especially at Lyon and Corsica airports, travelers should be prepared.
Editor: What specific flights and routes should travelers be most concerned about?
Dr. Dupont: Unfortunately, travelers flying to or from Montpellier, Nîmes, and Perpignan should brace for the worst, as all flights to these destinations will be canceled on December 17. Additionally, 60% of flights at lyon Saint-Exupéry will face cancellations from 6 AM to 11 PM. This means that not only will flights be affected, but the overall travel experience will be disrupted due to delayed operations at these major hubs.
Editor: Considering the recent history of strikes in the aviation sector, such as the one on November 14 and December 5, how does this latest action affect public perception of flight reliability during the holidays?
Dr. Dupont: the cumulative effect of these strikes undoubtedly strains traveler confidence.when people consider air travel, particularly around busy periods like Christmas, reliability is paramount. Strikes lead to more cancellations and delays, significantly impacting travelers’ plans. Passengers may start to perceive air travel as an unreliable option if such disruptions continue.
Editor: What would you advise travelers who are planning to fly around this holiday season?
Dr. Dupont: Firstly, I recommend that travelers stay informed by checking for updates from their airlines and the Directorate general of Civil Aviation (DGAC).They should also consider option travel dates if possible, especially around the projected strike date. Booking flexible tickets or travel insurance might alleviate some concerns. Additionally, arriving at the airport earlier than usual can help mitigate the hassle of potential delays.
editor: Looking ahead, what long-term changes might arise from this situation within the aviation industry?
Dr. Dupont: This ongoing strife indicates deeper systemic issues in the labor dynamics of aviation. The failure to reach agreements could lead to further unrest, wich may prompt airlines and government bodies to rethink their approaches to workforce management and labor negotiations. Ultimately,the goal must be finding a sustainable solution that balances the needs of employees and travelers alike to maintain operational stability.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the upcoming strike will have significant implications for travelers during this festive season, and your advice will help many make informed decisions.
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for the platform! It’s crucial for travelers to be proactive during such times to ensure a smoother journey despite ongoing disruptions.
Conclusion: with the air traffic controller strike in France looming just before Christmas, travelers should stay vigilant and prepared for potential disruptions. For further updates, check regularly with your airline and the DGAC to make informed travel decisions this holiday season.