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More airport strikes to cause chaos with fears 70% of flights could be cancelled

05 June 2024 , 14:10
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And how to check if you are eligible for compensation
And how to check if you are eligible for compensation

ANOTHER strike has been confirmed at one of Europe's busiest airports - and it could result in more cancelled flights.

Air traffic controllers at Paris Orly Airport have confirmed strike action will take place later this month.

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More strikes could see 70 per cent of flights cancelled this monthCredit: Reuters

Staff from the Unsa-Inca are threatening to walk out from June 11-13, less than a month after their previous strike action.

Their previous strike, which took place between May 25-26, resulted in 70 per cent of flights cancelled to and from the airport.

The number of flights affected this time are yet to be confirmed, as it depends on the number of air traffic controllers who decide to walk out.

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But there are fears a similar strike could lead to similar cancellations.

And it's not just passengers travelling to and from Paris that are affected, as it also affects airlines flying over French airspace.

The strike action is due to disagreements over pay rises and and recruitment.

A union source told local press: "Orly is clearly relegated to second place by the DGAC compared to the other Parisian airport [Charles de Gaulle], despite the fact that it has a similar strategic importance."

Airlines will be informed about the level of cancellations required 48 hours before by the French Civil Aviation authority.

The airlines can then decide which flights to cancel, with long-haul flights often prioritised over short-haul.

A similar strike back in April was called off at the last minute, but around 70 per cent of flights were still cancelled.

Other airports in France were affected too, with 45 per cent-65 per cent cancelled across Paris other airports Charles de Gaulle, as well as the airport in Marseille.

France’s DGAC aviation authority warned passengers to expect a "huge impact" on travel.

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Ryanair was forced to cancel 300 flights in response, affecting 50,000 passengers.

It's not just French strikes affected Brits going on holiday this year.

Border Force staff at London Heathrow walked out last week, from May 31 - June 2.

The strike was in protest over their working conditions.

Sadly Brits are unlikely to get any compensation if flights are cancelled by airport staff striking.

This is because airlines will deem this an "extraordinary circumstance" which was out of their control.

However, airlines must offer you an alternative flight (on any airline) or full refund if you decide not to travel.

Paris Orly flights will be affected the most
Paris Orly flights will be affected the mostCredit: Alamy

Kara Godfrey

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