French Air Traffic Controllers Strike Causes Chaos

Peak Season Disruptions

Summer travel plans for many people were ruined. Why? Because air traffic controllers in France went on strike. This happened at the peak of the travel season. Around 40% of flights were called off. This affected all major airports in Paris. Passengers had to scramble to change their plans.

Strike Escalation

The strike started on Thursday. It got worse on Friday. The French aviation authority told airlines to cancel many flights. They warned that delays and disruptions were unavoidable. Ryanair, a big airline, had to cancel over 400 flights. This affected around 70,000 passengers.

Demands and Concerns

The air traffic controllers are asking for better working conditions. They say there aren't enough staff to handle the increasing number of flights. Inflation is also making their salaries worth less. They are also against new reforms. These reforms aim to monitor their work more closely. This comes after a near-collision at Bordeaux airport.

Government Response

The transport minister called the strike unacceptable. He said it's bad timing. Many families are traveling for summer vacation. The strike is causing a lot of trouble for them.

Broader Implications

This situation shows how important air traffic controllers are. Their work keeps the skies safe. But when they go on strike, it causes big problems. It's a reminder that better working conditions might prevent such disruptions. It's also a call for better planning during peak travel times.