France’s air traffic controllers call off planned strike

France’s main air traffic controllers’ union has canceled a three-day strike scheduled to begin on October 7, averting widespread disruption to flights across Europe.

The union said the decision followed partial agreements reached in negotiations, though it did not disclose details. It also cited Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s October 3 announcement that he would not invoke Article 49.3 of the French Constitution to bypass parliamentary votes on the 2026 budget bill, Caliber.Az reports via Bloomberg.

The strike had been expected to affect thousands of flights. Ryanair had warned that up to 600 flights could be canceled during the first two days of the walkout, while EasyJet also anticipated severe disruptions.

One of the union’s main demands was salary adjustments to offset inflation.

By Sabina Mammadli