French air traffic controllers set for major 24-hour walkout in September thousands of flights at risk

France’s main air traffic control union, SNCTA, has announced a 24-hour strike in September, raising concerns over widespread travel disruptions.

The action will take place from the morning of September 18 until the end of September 19, affecting airports across the country, according to European media.

Representing roughly 60% of French air traffic controllers, SNCTA is the nation’s largest union in the sector. The strike follows what the union described as a breakdown in discussions with the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC). The union cited years of mistrust, punitive practices, and poor management as barriers to meaningful reform.

Air traffic controllers at all French airports, including Paris Charles-de-Gaulle, are being encouraged to participate. While other unions in the sector, such as UNSA-ICNA and USAC-CGT, have not yet confirmed whether they will join, the strike is expected to disrupt flights both within and across French airspace, including routes to and from the UK, Spain, and Italy.

Specific information on cancellations and delays will be provided by the DGAC two days prior to the strike. Passengers are advised to stay in contact with their airlines for updates and plan for possible disruptions.

The announcement follows previous industrial action in early July, when smaller unions UNSA-ICNA and USAC-CGT went on strike on July 3-4. That wave affected more than one million passengers, with thousands of flights cancelled, according to Eurocontrol. Low-cost carrier Ryanair estimated that the disruptions cost airlines over €100 million, attributing the chaos to “hopeless mismanagement.”

While SNCTA abstained from July’s strike, its upcoming action in September is expected to cause even greater disruption due to the union’s size and influence. The union is demanding wage adjustments for inflation and significant operational management reforms at the DGAC, emphasising that the strike is a measure of last resort after repeated attempts at dialogue.

In its statement, SNCTA noted that it has consistently sought social dialogue and put forward concrete proposals. Even without participation from other unions, the September strike could affect thousands of flights, and passengers are urged to monitor schedules, contact airlines before travelling, and allow extra time for connections, with long delays and cancellations anticipated throughout Europe.

By Tamilla Hasanova