French Air Traffic Control Strike 27/03 - 29/03

exel1966

To anyone planning to travel to France or route through French airspace during the above dates :-

French ATC are due to commence industrial action (again) at 1600GMT 27/03 through to 0500GMT 29/03.

Be advised this will invariably lead to many flight cancellations and delays. Obviously it is a little too early at this stage to summise of what may or not happen, so you would be advised to check with your airline prior to travelling to the airport.

This strike is part of ongoing industrial action by public sector employees and is at least the 5th in the past 2 months. Previous strikes have had limited effect (though many flights have been severely delayed/cancelled) as many employees have turned in for work, but this may not occur next week.

LesD

We flew to Spain on 7th March and were routed via Belgium, Germany and Italy. The main problem was the time spent sitting in UK while the captain tried to get his flight plan agreed. Not much fun in cattle class on a budget airline with fractious kids whining all around!

Take a good book, a bottle of water and some earplugs!

PeteMc

In addition to this, most of the rail companies have announced strikes for Tuesday 28/03/2006 (in practice 27/03/2006 20.00 to 29/03/2006 08.00). Whilst minimum services are guaranteed, this will mean that it will be extremely uncomfortable on rush hour services, particularly in the Paris region. Forget driving around Paris unless you have plenty of time.

I'm having the day off :j

saveapenny

Did I hear right that th FO have advised against travel to Paris for all but essential travel?

PeteMc

Did I hear right that th FO have advised against travel to Paris for all but essential travel?

It's been over-egged a bit by the media (that's a surprise!). The advice is :

Demonstrations against the French Government's new employment law, some of which have become violent with missiles being thrown and cars and property being set alight and destroyed, continue to take place in some parts of central Paris, some of the city's suburbs and in other cities throughout France. Employee and student unions have called for a further day of mass demonstrations and strikes throughout France on Tuesday 28 March 2006 which may disrupt some essential services, including transport links. You are advised to check the latest position with your operator and to avoid any areas where demonstrations are planned or taking place.

The major problem will be getting anywhere in Paris rather than encountering a 50,000 mob baying for your blood