“We should expect very big delays”: why air travelers will need to be patient this Thursday

Les aiguilleurs du ciel français ont annoncé une “mobilisation record” ce jeudi 25 avril 2024. yousef alfuhigi – UNSPLASH

French air traffic controllers are planning a "record mobilization" this Thursday, April 25, 2024 after the failure of negotiations concerning, in particular, salary increases. Very big disruptions are predicted.

If you were planning to fly this Thursday, bring a good book and… your patience. French air traffic controllers have announced a "record mobilization".

"We consider that negotiations have failed"with the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, a national secretary of the National Union of Air Traffic Controllers told AFP, quoted by 20 minutes. This official, speaking on condition of anonymity, specified that we must expect "very strong disruptions, very big delays" this Thursday, April 25, 2024.

More than 70% canceled at some airports?

Airline agents must now declare their participation in a strike action no later than noon two days before. In the event of a strike, the administration asks companies to give up part of their flight programs departing from or arriving at French airports. According to 20 Minutes, more than 70% of flights could be canceled at certain airports this Thursday, during the school holiday period.

Negotiations failed

This strike is linked to the failure of negotiations on the air navigation services reform project (DSNA). This consultation planned to reorganize the work of controllers to cope with the announced increase in air traffic.

Salary increase requested

The main union of air traffic controllers, the SNCTA, is demanding in particular a salary increase of 5.04% per year in 2025, 2026 and 2027, according to TF1 in order to compensate for the productivity efforts required.

And the passengers?

What will happen to passengers who plan to travel on this "Black Thursday" ? Airlines are not required to compensate them for the delay caused by these strikes.

They are, however, obliged to offer "an alternative way to arrive at their destination or to reimburse the ticket" for those who no longer wish to arrive at their planned destination, explains to our colleagues at TF1 Imane El Bouanani, legal manager in France at Flightright, the European leader in air passenger compensation.