Airlines for Europe (A4E) has condemned a French air traffic control (ATC) strike on 3–4 July, which has caused over 1,500 flight cancellations and affected nearly 300,000 passengers during le Grand Départ, one of the busiest travel periods in Europe. The strike has led to almost 500,000 minutes of delays, equivalent to an entire year.
A4E criticised the short notice given to airlines and highlighted that French ATC already has some of Europe’s worst delay records, with June 2025 delays up 115% compared to the previous year. The group is calling for reforms, including:
- Mandatory arbitration before strikes
- 21-day advance strike notification
- 72-hour individual notice of participation
- Protection for overflights
- Right of redress against ATC providers
A4E’s managing director called the strike “intolerable” and urged EU policymakers to act, saying passengers’ basic right to reach their destination on time is being ignored.