Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
13 March 2017 07:48
Some British Airways flights have reportedly been cancelled
Strikes by French air traffic controllers (ATCs) are leading to delays and cancellations across the UK.
A five-day strike that started on Monday, March 6, has led to cancellations across several major airlines flying directly to or via French airports.
On the first day of the industrial action, more than 400 flights were grounded and tens of thousands of European passengers had their travel plans disrupted, Airlines for Europe (A4E) said.
The organisation has further warned that more than 1,000 flights could be cancelled this week, as carriers are asked to slash their services by a quarter (25%).
Major airlines affected
British Airways reportedly cancelled 46 flights on the first day of strikes, predominantly between the UK and France. The airline has said where possible it is using larger aircraft to carry more passengers to their destinations.
Low-cost carrier easyJet has cancelled 38 flights, four of which were heading to or from the UK.
An easyJet spokeswoman said: "Although this is outside of our control, we would like to apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused and would like to reassure them we are doing all possible to minimise any disruption as a result of the industrial action."
Some 45 flights have been cancelled by Ryanair, which were due to operate to, from or over France.
Anyone travelling across the continent should take out European travel insurance for added peace of mind.
Call to Euro-leaders
Ryanair's chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs is now urging both the French government and the European Commission to take action to prevent further disruptions by a "tiny group of ATC unions going on strike".
"They cannot stand idly by and allow another summer of disruption and travel misery for European consumers to take place," he said.
And easyJet supported the move, with its spokeswoman adding: "As a member of Airlines for Europe, we are working with other airlines to call on governments and the EU to develop an action plan to minimise the impact of ATC strikes on passengers."
16 August 2018
Holidaymakers in the UK will be hit by more train price hikes from next year, after the Government announced ticket prices will increase by 3.2% in January.
[more...]
15 August 2018
A simple blood test could help GPs detect a rare form of bone marrow cancer much earlier, a new study suggests.
14 August 2018
Passengers arriving at Heathrow Airport last month faced queues of over two and a half hours at passport control, new figures have revealed.
11 August 2018
Hundreds of Ryanair flights will not take off as planned on Friday due to pilot strikes in five countries.
10 August 2018
Fad diets that cut out carbs while increasing fat consumption could lead to an increased risk of diabetes, according to new research.
09 August 2018
HIV testing has become even more accessible after a self-testing kit was made available from a High Street retailer.
08 August 2018
Women patients are more likely to survive a heart attack if they are treated by a female doctor, a new US study has revealed.
07 August 2018
The head of British Airways has branded two-hour queues facing travellers at Heathrow's passport control as a "border farce."
04 August 2018
Simple factors such as gender and body mass can help doctors to personalise care for patients with type 2 diabetes and avoid harmful side effects, according to a study.
03 August 2018
Gatwick Express must no longer claim it runs "non-stop to Victoria station in half an hour" and "in just 30 minutes" unless it can achieve the time in most cases, a watchdog has ruled.
02 August 2018
A charity is calling for greater access to respite support after it emerged that 72% of Britain's 700,000 young carers feel lonely and isolated during the summer holidays.
01 August 2018
A plan to build new rail links with Heathrow Airport and connect Windsor's two train stations have been submitted to the Government.