Ryanair Cancels 170 Flights Amid French ATC Strike

Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-cost airline, was forced to cancel 170 flights on July 3 and 4, 2025, due to a nationwide strike by French air traffic controllers. The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) requested airlines to reduce flights at Paris airports by 40% on July 4, with additional cuts of 50% at airports like Bastia, Calvi, and Nice, and 30% at Montpellier, Ajaccio, Figari, Lyon, and Marseille.

Why Were Flights Cancelled?

1. ATC Strike in France
   The DGAC, France's civil aviation authority, mandated flight reductions:

   • 25–40% cuts at Paris airports

   • 30–50% reductions at regional hubs like Nice, Marseille, and Lyon
     Ryanair and other carriers were forced to cancel numerous flights as ATC services were scaled back

2. Impact on Overflights
   The cancellations extended beyond flights to France—any Ryanair routes crossing French airspace were also affected (e.g., UK → Greece, Spain → Ireland) 

3. Pressure on EU ATC System
   Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary called for urgent EU-wide ATC reform, citing chronic understaffing and poor coordination. He urged President Ursula von der Leyen to ensure full staffing during peak hours and to protect overflights during national strikes

Why Are French Air Traffic Controllers Striking?

The strike, led by unions like France’s SNCTA, stems from concerns over understaffing, burnout, and overworking of air traffic controllers. These issues have fueled recurring strikes, with Ryanair noting 99 days of French ATC strikes since 2023, affecting over 1.2 million passengers. The French government’s Minimum Service Legislation protects domestic French flights, but overflights (e.g., UK to Spain) face disproportionate cancellations, a point of contention for airlines like Ryanair.

How Are Travelers Affected?

The cancellations and delays have significant impacts:

• Direct Disruptions: Passengers on the 170 cancelled flights, primarily on July 4, face rescheduling or refund needs.

• Overflight Delays: Flights crossing French airspace (e.g., UK to Greece) are delayed or rerouted, affecting travel to popular holiday destinations.

• Holiday Chaos: The timing, during peak summer travel, has left families stranded, with overcrowded airports and limited rebooking options.

• Financial Impact: Travelers may incur costs for accommodations, alternative transport, or missed plans, though Ryanair offers rebooking or refunds.

Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, criticized the strikes, stating, “European families are held to ransom by French air traffic controller  It is not acceptable that overflights are being cancelled/delayed.” He described the action as “recreational” and unfair, especially for non-French travelers.

What Is Ryanair Doing About It?

Ryanair has taken the following steps:

• Passenger Notifications: Affected passengers are being contacted directly via email or the Ryanair app/website.

• Rebooking Options: Passengers can rebook flights online at no additional cost or request alternative arrangements.

• Refund Offers: Full refunds are available for cancelled flights, per EU regulations.

• Advocacy for Reform: Ryanair is pushing for EU air traffic control (ATC) reforms, including:

  • Ensuring ATC services are fully staffed for morning departures.

  • Protecting overflights during national strikes to minimize disruptions.

Michael O’Leary has called on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to implement these reforms, claiming they could eliminate 90% of ATC-related delays and cancellations. Ryanair also promotes a petition on its website, “Air Traffic Control Ruined Your Flight,” urging passengers to demand EU action.

How Can Affected Passengers Respond?

If your flight is cancelled or delayed, follow these steps:

1. Check Flight Status: Visit Ryanair’s website or app to confirm your flight’s status. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises checking before departure due to frequent French ATC strikes.

2. Rebook Online: Use Ryanair’s online system to reschedule flights for free. Instructions are provided in cancellation notifications.

3. Request a Refund: If rebooking isn’t suitable, apply for a full refund via Ryanair’s website, per EU261/2004 regulations.

4. Explore Alternatives: Consider flights with other airlines or routes avoiding French airspace, though availability may be limited during peak season.

5. Document Expenses: Keep receipts for additional costs (e.g., hotels, meals) as you may be eligible for compensation under EU rules for cancellations due to strikes.

What Are Passengers’ Rights Under EU Regulations?

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers affected by cancellations may be entitled to:

• Rebooking or Refunds: A choice between a new flight or a full refund.

• Compensation: Up to €600 per passenger for cancellations with less than 14 days’ notice, unless caused by “extraordinary circumstances” like strikes. (Note: ATC strikes are often debated as “extraordinary,” so compensation may not always apply.)

• Care: Meals, refreshments, and accommodation for significant delays, depending on flight distance and delay duration.

Check Ryanair’s customer service page or consult the European Consumer Centre for guidance on claims.

Why Do French ATC Strikes Cause Such Widespread Disruption?

French ATC strikes are a recurring issue, with 99 days of strikes since 2023 disrupting over 1.2 million passengers. France’s Minimum Service Legislation prioritizes domestic flights, leaving overflights vulnerable to cancellations. This disproportionately affects non-French travelers, as seen in previous strikes (e.g., 300 flights cancelled in April 2024, affecting 50,000 passengers). Ryanair argues this is “unfair” and calls for EU reforms to protect overflights.

Are Other Airlines Affected?

Yes, the French ATC strike impacts multiple airlines:

• The DGAC’s flight reduction requests (e.g., 40% at Paris airports) affect carriers like Air France, which cut 45% of short and medium-haul flights during a 2022 strike.

• Airlines operating through French airspace, such as British Airways, easyJet, and Wizz Air, likely face delays or cancellations, though Ryanair’s scale (Europe’s largest airline) makes its disruptions more visible.

• Passengers should check with their respective airlines for specific updates.

How Does This Compare to Other Recent Disruptions?

Ryanair faced additional challenges in June 2025, cancelling 800 flights due to Middle East conflicts (e.g., Israel-Iran tensions and Gaza attacks), which also halted operations at Dubai airport. The French ATC strike adds to these pressures, compounding travel chaos during the summer season. Unlike weather-related disruptions (e.g., 7,800 U.S. flight cancellations due to storms in July 2025), ATC strikes are human-induced and deemed “avoidable” by Ryanair.

Tips for Travelers

1. Plan Ahead: Check Ryanair’s website or app for real-time updates, especially for flights on July 3–4, 2025.

2. Consider Alternatives: Explore non-French routes (e.g., UK to Spain via Germany) or other transport like trains (e.g., Eurostar).

3. Stay Informed: Follow Ryanair’s social media and news outlets for strike updates.

4. Travel Insurance: Purchase policies covering strike-related cancellations for added protection.

5. Arrive Early: Expect crowded airports and longer processing times due to rebooking demands.

Disclaimer: This blog is based on information available as of July 3, 2025, at 1:57 PM IST. Flight statuses and strike developments may change. Always verify details with Ryanair or official sources before traveling.

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