France public-sector strike cuts flights at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Marseille-Provence

Disruption overview

A nationwide public-sector strike in France caused delays and cancellations on 29 September 2026, after airlines were told to cut flights at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Marseille-Provence Airport. The required reductions are 5% at Paris Charles de Gaulle between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm and 25% at Marseille-Provence from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am, with knock-on disruption at Nantes, Strasbourg, Limoges, Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées, and Pau–Pyrénées. Passengers traveling anywhere in France are being urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Because the disruption is tied to a wider public-sector strike outside the airline's control, compensation under EC 261 is unlikely, though airlines should still provide care and assistance during long delays or cancellations.

Get flight compensation

Check if the airline owes you money for your delayed or canceled flight

Disruption details

Flights across France are set for delays and cancellations on 29 September 2026 after France's civil aviation authority ordered airlines to cut operations during a nationwide public-sector strike. At Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, carriers reduced schedules by 5% between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm local time, while Marseille-Provence Airport faces a 25% cut from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am.

For passengers, that meant a day of uncertainty. While the order focused on Paris Charles de Gaulle and Marseille-Provence, knock-on disruptions affected Nantes Atlantique Airport, Strasbourg Airport, Limoges-Bellegarde Airport, Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport, and Pau–Pyrénées Airport.

The planned flight reductions are:

• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: 5% fewer scheduled flights between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm.

• Marseille-Provence Airport: 25% fewer scheduled flights between 4:00 pm and 12:00 am.

The strike is part of a broader day of action by public-sector unions protesting a newly announced pay freeze for civil servants. Aviation workers, including air traffic controllers and ground staff, joined the walkout, which is why the flight cuts have been ordered.

No individual airline has been singled out. Any carrier operating to or from the affected airports must comply, so passengers on many different airlines saw delays, cancellations, and missed onward connections.

The authority imposed the limits to help protect safety and reduce the wider impact on air operations. It hasn't published a total number of affected flights, but cuts at France's busiest hub and at Marseille make disruption hard to avoid through the day.

If you're flying anywhere in France on 29 September, or on subsequent days, it's worth checking your flight status with your airline before you leave for the airport. Even if your route doesn't start or end at one of the named airports, aircraft rotations and connecting services can still be affected as the disruption builds.

For now, the strike is scheduled for a single day, though further measures could follow if the protest intensifies.

Because this disruption is linked to a wider public-sector strike rather than something the airline controls, compensation under EC 261 is unlikely in most cases. Still, airlines should provide care and assistance during long waits, including meals and refreshments, accommodation if you're stranded overnight, and the choice of rebooking or a refund if your flight is canceled.

Protect your future trips with AirHelp+

Secure your flights, luggage and get lounge access