ANOTHER strike has been confirmed at one of Europe’s busiest airports – and could result in more flights being cancelled.
Air traffic controllers at Paris Orly airport have confirmed that the strike will take place later this month.
Unsa-Inca employees threaten to withdraw from June 11 to 13, less than a month after the previous strike.
The previous strike, which took place between May 25 and 26, resulted in the cancellation of 70% of flights to and from the airport.
The number of flights affected this time has not yet been confirmed, as it depends on the number of air traffic controllers who decide to back out.
But there are fears a similar strike could lead to similar cancellations.
And it’s not just passengers traveling to and from Paris who are affected, as it also affects airlines flying over French airspace.
The strike is due to disagreements over salary increases and recruitment.
A union source said local press: “Orly is clearly relegated to second place by DGAC compared to the other Parisian airport [Charles de Gaulle]despite having a similar strategic importance.”
Airlines will be informed of the level of cancellations required 48 hours previously by the French Civil Aviation Authority.
Airlines can then decide which flights to cancel, with long-haul flights often being prioritized over short-haul flights.
A similar strike in April was called off at the last minute, but around 70% of flights were still cancelled.
Other airports in France were also affected, with 45% to 65% canceled at other airports in Paris, Charles de Gaulle, as well as Marseille airport.
French aviation authority DGAC warned passengers to expect a “huge impact” on travel.
How much will the French air traffic controller strikes affect me?
The Sun’s head of travel, Lisa Minot, weighed in on the strikes:
STRIKES by French air traffic controllers will not only affect those flying in and out of Paris’ two main airports, but could also cause huge disruption to flights from the UK to a number of other countries.
The strike will impact all flights flying over French airspace and in the past this has led to thousands of flight cancellations.
And with no end in sight to the disagreement between smaller unions and French air traffic control over changes to working conditions and wage increases, there is the possibility of new strikes being called during the Olympic Games in France and at the peak of festive season. .
Ryanair has been campaigning for the EU to protect overflights by law during strikes. The last strike in April forced the cancellation of more than 3,000 flights, affecting 50,000 travelers.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said: “French air traffic controllers are free to go on strike, it’s their right, but we should be canceling French flights, not flights leaving Ireland, going to Italy, or flights from Germany to Spain or Scandinavia to Portugal.
“The European Commission, under the command of Ursula von der Leyen, took no action for five years to protect overflights and the single market in air travel.
“We are again asking her to take action to protect overflights, which will eliminate more than 90% of these flight cancellations.”
In response, Ryanair was forced to cancel 300 flights, affecting 50,000 passengers.
It’s not just French strikes that have affected Brits going on holiday this year.
Border Force staff at London Heathrow left last week, from 31 May to 2 June.
The strike was a protest against their working conditions.
Unfortunately, Brits are unlikely to receive any compensation if flights are canceled due to airport staff striking.
This is because airlines will consider this an “extraordinary circumstance” that was beyond their control.
However, airlines must offer you an alternative flight (on any airline) or a full refund if you decide not to travel.
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Flight compensation rules
What are my rights if my flight is canceled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at your destination more than three hours late.
If you are flying to or from the UK, your airline must allow you to choose a refund or alternative flight.
You will be able to receive money back for the part of the ticket that you have not yet used.
So if you’ve booked a return flight and the outward leg is cancelled, you can get a full refund of the cost of your return ticket.
But if travel is essential, your airline must find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline does not have to refund you if your flight is canceled for reasons beyond your control, such as extreme weather conditions.
Outages caused by extreme weather conditions, employee strikes at airports or air traffic control, or other “extraordinary circumstances” are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may broaden the definition of “extraordinary circumstances”, but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you are unable to claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may reimburse you.
Policies vary, so you’ll want to check the fine print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours typically means you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your airport delay, as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is canceled entirely, it is unlikely that you will be covered by your insurance.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
