Ryanair canceled 400 flights on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, due to a strike by French air traffic controllers (ATC). The strike is the latest in a series of labor actions by ATCs in France, who have been protesting against low pay and poor working conditions. The canceled flights include both Ryanair flights to and from France, as well as flights that overfly France. The airline has said that it is offering passengers full refunds or the option to rebook their flights on another date.
The strike is expected to cause significant disruption to travel in Europe. Ryanair is the largest low-cost airline in Europe, and its flights serve a wide range of destinations. The canceled flights will affect passengers from all over the continent. The strike is also a blow to the French economy. Tourism is a major industry in France, and the canceled flights will likely discourage travelers from visiting the country.
The ATCs are demanding a 30% pay increase and improved working conditions. The French government has said that it is willing to negotiate, but the ATCs have refused to back down. The strike is the latest in a series of labor actions by ATCs in Europe. In recent years, ATCs in Spain, Italy, and Portugal have also gone on strike. The strikes have caused significant disruption to travel in Europe, and they have raised concerns about the future of air travel in the region.
Late last month, Ryanair has urged the European Commission to take action to protect overflights from strikes. The airline has delivered a petition signed by 1.1 million EU passengers to the Commission, demanding that action be taken to prevent strikes by air traffic controllers from disrupting flights.