France ATC strike on 9–10 Feb causes cancellations and delays

France’s three main air traffic controller unions launched a 48‑hour strike on 9–10 February, prompting about 180 flight cancellations and widespread delays. DGAC asked airlines to cut schedules by up to 50% at Paris‑Orly and 30% at Marseille‑Provence. Average delays reached roughly one hour at Orly and up to two hours at Marseille. Domestic and intra‑European services by Air France, British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair saw cancellations, with some passengers rerouted via rail or other hubs. A potential follow‑up strike was signaled for the Easter period.

France experienced extensive flight disruption on 9–10 February as the country’s three principal air traffic controller unions (SNCTA, UNSA‑ICNA and USAC‑CGT) carried out a 48‑hour strike over staffing and retirement‑replacement concerns. In anticipation, the French civil aviation authority (DGAC) asked airlines to trim schedules by up to 50 percent at Paris‑Orly and 30 percent at Marseille‑Provence. Despite these measures, the walk‑out resulted in approximately 180 flight cancellations and rolling delays at multiple airports.

Operational impact varied by location. At Paris‑Orly, average delays were around one hour. At Marseille‑Provence, some flights faced delays of up to two hours as supervisory personnel were reassigned to support radar functions. Additional disruption was reported at airports including Toulouse, Bordeaux and Nice. Long‑haul departures from Paris‑Charles‑de‑Gaulle were largely maintained, though several domestic and intra‑European services were canceled.

Affected airlines included Air France, British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair, with some passengers rerouted by rail or via alternative airport hubs. The unions linked their action to insufficient one‑for‑one replacement of retiring controllers, citing concerns about safety and workloads ahead of the Easter and summer travel peaks. DGAC stated its replacement practices align with European traffic forecasts and upcoming automation plans slated for 2027.

The disruption highlights France’s pivotal role in the region’s aviation network, handling about 65 percent of Europe‑bound over‑flights. Travelers were advised that EU Regulation 261 compensation does not apply to air‑traffic‑management strikes, though standard care and assistance obligations remain. Looking ahead, the unions filed a seven‑day notice signaling the possibility of a follow‑up strike during the Easter holiday period if talks do not progress, indicating ongoing uncertainty in French airspace in the coming quarter.