Ryanair axes 170 flights as France air traffic control strikes spark holiday chaos

Ryanair has axed 170 flights after air traffic controllers walked off the job during strikes that could start summer holiday travel chaos.

More than 30,000 passengers are set to have travel disruptions after the airline said it was forced to cancel 170 flights. This major travel chaos has come after a nationwide air traffic controller strike in Francethat started today. In a statement, the airline said: "In addition to flights to/from France being cancelled, this strike will also affect all French overflights." These walkouts could mark the start of major summer travel disruptions for British holidaymakers heading to destinations across Europe.

France's air traffic control union announced its workers would go on strike on July 3 and 4 due to concerns like understaffing, burnout and employees being overworked.

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The French civil aviation agency DGAC asked several airlines yesterday to reduce the number of flights at airports in Paris by 40% during the industrial action. It also called for Nice Airport to cancel up to half of its flights, along with Bastia and Calvi airports in Corsica.

Charles de Gaulle, Paris Beauvais, and Orly Airports in Paris have been urged to cancel a quarter of flights.

Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary called for the president of the European Commission to change the EU's air traffic controllers' services. He said: "Once again European families are held to ransom by French Air Traffic Controllers going on strike.

"It is not acceptable that overflights over French airspace en route to their destination are being cancelled/delayed as a result of yet another French ATC strike. It makes no sense and is abundantly unfair on EU passengers and families going on holidays."

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued a warning to travellers in light of the strikes and encouraged travellers to check the status of their journey before they set off. The FCDO said: “There can be frequent industrial action across France. This can lead to disruption and delays on roads and public transport.

"If you’re due to travel to or within France, monitor the media, check your operator’s advice and follow the advice of the authorities." The FCDO added: "Check your operator’s advice before travelling, including where you are taking connecting flights."

The strike dates coincide with the start of the French school holidays on Saturday July 5. Two air traffic control unions, UNSA-ICNA and the CGT branch, are walking out over a breakdown in communications between the unions and the DGAC.

France's largest air traffic controllers union, SNCTA, which represents 60% of workers in this field, however has not asked its members to walkout of their jobs this week.

Ryanair has also set up a "League of Delays" to name and shame the countries which has caused the most extra travel time to flights in Europe. The airline said: "France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and the U.K. continue to be the worst air traffic control (ATC) providers for delays as a result of their national Transport Ministers’ failure to ensure their ATC services are properly staffed and managed."