Ryanair cancels 170 flights due to French air traffic control strike

(Sharecast News) - Budget airline Ryanair warned on Thursday that it will cancel 170 flights due to a French air traffic control strike, disrupting travel plans for over 30,000 passengers. Ryanair announced its decision after French authorities called for airlines to reduce flights at Parisian airports by 40% on Friday.

The industrial action will begin later on Thursday and was expected to affect all flights using French airspace.

Ryanair said its cancellations would impact flights to and from France, as well as services over France to destinations such as the UK, Greece, Spain and Ireland.

Chief executive Michael O'Leary said: "Once again, European families are held to ransom by French air traffic controllers going on strike", he said.

"It is not acceptable that overflights over French airspace en route to their destination are being cancelled/delayed as a result of yet another French ATC strike. It makes no sense and is abundantly unfair on EU passengers and families going on holidays."

As of 0840 BST, Ryanair shares were down 0.42% at €23.89 each.



Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com