EasyJet, Ryanair and British Airways forced to reduce number of flights to and over France as five-day action begins

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

EasyJet, Ryanair and British Airways have cancelled flights on Monday as French air traffic controllers (ATCs) start a five-day strike.

Flights to and from the UK are among more than 1,000 likely to be scrapped this week.

With a separate strike by Air France workers on Tuesday, carriers have been asked to slash their services by 25%.

Flights to France as well as those crossing its airspace are affected, including UK flights to and from Italy, Switzerland and Spain. Brest and Bordeaux control centres are striking until 7pm on Friday, with the action in the south of France running from 5am on Tuesday until 5am on Friday.

EasyJet cancelled 38 flights on Monday, including four that were due to go from or to the UK. Ryanair said it was forced to scrap 45 flights.

BA also axed several flights and said it was using larger aircraft where possible to help customers reach their destination. All three airlines told passengers to expect delays.

Airlines for Europe said 2016 was a record year for ATC strikes, with 41 days affected. More than 35,000 flights have been cancelled due to strikes since 2010.

The lobby group has urged the European commission and governments to take action to reduce the impact of ATC strikes. It wants neighbouring countries to be allowed to provide air traffic control during industrial disputes.

An easyJet spokeswoman said: “EasyJet is disappointed at this unnecessary strike action causing further disruption for passengers and airlines across Europe. As a member of Airlines for Europe, we are working with other airlines to call on governments and the EU to develop an action plan to minimise the impact of ATC strikes on passengers.

“Though this is outside of our control, we would like to apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused, and would like to reassure them we are doing all possible to minimise any disruption as a result of the industrial action.”

Ryanair’s chief marketing officer, Kenny Jacobs, said: “We call on the French government and European commission to take immediate action to prevent thousands of European consumers from having their travel plans disrupted by a tiny group of ATC unions going on strike.

“They cannot stand idly by and allow another summer of disruption and travel misery for European consumers to take place.”