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Flights grounded as French air traffic strikes again

Dozens of flight have been grounded today due to the 13th strike by French air traffic controllers in 14 weeks.


Ryanair has been forced to cancel 102 flights today with easyJet and British Airways also warning of disruption.


The situation is being compounded by a separate industrial action by Italian airport ground handlers which has also led to flights being cancelled.


BA warned of “significant” disruption to all airlines using Venice Macro Polo airport in particular.


More than 18,000 Ryanair passengers will have their flights cancelled and over 100,000 will face delays are a result of the latest walk out by air traffic controllers in France, the budget airline calculated.


Ryanair chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs said: “These unacceptable French strikes have become weekly events by now, aimed at causing maximum disruption for families and business passengers, which is why we are calling on the European Commission to take action to prevent these ATC strikes from disrupting the travel plans of Europe’s citizens and their families.


“The recent Brexit vote underlines that the EU Commission must begin to deliver real benefits for Europe’s consumers, and show families and holidaymakers that Europe is on their side and will not allow a small group of French ATC unions to repeatedly close the skies over Europe.”


EasyJet said: “As 65% of easyJet’s flights fly over France, this will have an impact on our flights to and from French airports, as well as those flying over French airspace.  


“Just like other airlines we are subject to French air traffic regulations, we therefore expect delays and cancellations.


“We are doing everything possible to minimise the impact of the strike on our customers, and have taken the decision to proactively cancel a number of flights, allowing customers to re-organise their journeys.”


BA warned of “yet another day of unnecessary disruption” for some passengers travelling in Europe.

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