21 March 2023 , 10:01
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Ryanair and easyJet passengers could find themselves caught up in strike action as French workers walk out.
The major airlines have warned of major delays and possible cancellations caused by the air traffic controllers strike taking place over the Channel.
The workers are striking as part of a wave of industrial action over an increase in the pension age from 62 to 64.
Protests have broken out across France and President Emmanuel Macron narrowly survived a no-confidence vote after he decided to push the change through without a parliamentary vote.
EasyJet has warned passengers heading to France to check their flights regularly until the air traffic controllers strike ends on March 23.
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“Air traffic control staff are joining the strike action and therefore like all airlines, our flights to and from French airports, as well as those flying in French airspace, could be affected," a spokesperson for easyJet said.
EasyJet has warned some services could be disrupted (Bloomberg via Getty Images)“We expect that there will be delays and some disruption due to the industrial action, therefore we advise all customers to check the status of their flight on our flight tracker either on our mobile app or website.
“Please also be aware that public transport services may be affected by the strike.
“We recommend all customers allow plenty of extra time to get to the airport and consider alternative transport options where possible.”
EasyJet also faces a three-day strike by cabin crew in Portugal in early April over cost of living costs, with a walkout over pay and working conditions from April 1 to April 3.
Ryanair warned passengers that there could be cancellations due to the strike action in France.
"Any affected passengers will be notified as soon as possible," a spokesperson for the airline said.
Ryanair said the disruption was out of its control (NurPhoto via Getty Images)"We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this French air traffic control strike, which is entirely out of Ryanair’s control."
While tourists are unlikely to face any danger to themselves from the protests, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has warned travellers to France that they may face disruption to services as a result of the strikes.
“On 16 March, large-scale demonstrations started in central Paris and elsewhere in France and police presence increased. Protests could turn violent and/or continue. These could lead to disruptions to road travel,” the government travel advice reads.
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“You should monitor the media, check the latest advice with operators before travelling, avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.”
You can check the latest France travel advice for more information.