Air France flight attendant wins landmark ruling recognising breast cancer as occupational disease

A former Air France flight attendant has succeeded in having her breast cancer recognised as an occupational disease, in what her lawyer and trade union describe as a first for France’s aviation sector. Sophie Lainault, 59, worked for Air France between 1989 and 2019, initially as a flight attendant and later as a purser on long-haul flights. During her career, she accumulated more than 12,600 flight hours, including more than 6,500 at night. She is now in remission.

In early July, a court in Bayonne recognised the occupational origin of her breast cancer. The court took into account several aspects of her working conditions, including regular night work, exposure to ionising radiation and passive smoking. Smoking was permitted on Air France aircraft until 2000.

The court also noted that there were no other identified genetic or lifestyle-related factors that could explain her cancer. Two regional committees had previously concluded that a link between her illness and her professional activity had not been established.

Breast cancer is not included in France’s official list of occupational diseases, meaning that Lainault had to pursue an individual procedure to establish the occupational origin of her illness. She fought for recognition for two and a half years, supported by the CFDT trade union.

The ruling is now final, with no appeal having been lodged. Her lawyer, Elisabeth Leroux, says the decision could set a precedent and potentially open the way for other women working in aviation to seek similar recognition. Lainault herself hopes that other women will now feel able to come forward.

For Lainault, the recognition also means that she can take early retirement.