- French National strike leads to Ryanair, EasyJet and British Airways cancelled flights
- Eurostar cancel travel
By Andrew Atkinson
FLIGHTS to Spain have been cancelled – following a National strike in France – after strike action began on Wednesday, December 4, with thousands of people stranded.
Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways and Eurostar have been forced to cancel travel schedules, during December 5-8.
French Air Traffic controllers (ATC) and the airport fire service are planning to walk out, with disruption to flights to and from France over French air space.
The strikes by French rail workers, air-traffic controllers, teachers and public sector staff are taking place, due to proposed changes to the pension system.
EasyJet has cancelled over 200 flights across its network. A spokesperson said airlines operating to and from France, and using French airspace, including EasyJet, are expecting some disruption.
EasyJet has cancelled flights – including 70 UK touching flights. They are expecting additional flights to be delayed.
EasyJet will contact affected customers via SMS and email: “Any customers affected by cancellations are eligible for a refund or a free of charge transfer to a new flight.
“Although this is outside of our control we would like to apologise to all our customers for any inconvenience caused and would like to reassure them we are doing all possible to minimise any disruption as a result of the strike action.”
British Airways also cancelled a flights. Passengers booked to fly between December 5-7 from any French airport, and selected airports in Spain and Switzerland, can change their flights to either December 8-12.
British Airways slammed the French strike action – between December 4-8 – causing unnecessary frustration and disruption for customers at this time of year.
“We are offering our customers due to fly to/from France, Barcelona, Madrid, Basel, Geneva or Zurich on affected days, the chance to rebook their flight even if their flight was still scheduled to operate.
“We plan to use larger aircraft, wherever we can, to help customers from cancelled flights get to where they need to be.
“We are advising customers to keep checking on ba.com for the latest information about their flights,” said a spokesperson.
Ryanair have also cancelled flights: “As a result of a national strike in France on Thursday, 5th December 2019, we have been forced to cancel a number of flights.
“All affected customers have already been informed by SMS and email, advising customers of their option of a free move or refund. If you have not received an email or SMS message then we expect your flight to operate as scheduled.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by this national strike. We will do everything we can to minimise your disruption, which is sadly beyond our control,” said a statement from Ryanair.
Eurostar has cancelled a number of services as the strike in France is set to hit travel to, from and within France.
In Paris, 11 out of 16 Metro lines will shut completely. Schools will close and some Police unions have warned of symbolic closures of certain police stations.
French rail transport is expected to almost completely grind to a halt – with 82% of drivers on strike – and 90% of regional trains cancelled.
