Ryanair Loses 170 Flights in the French Air‑Traffic Strike—30,000 Travelers Hit the Skies
It’s the third-day chaos for fare‑watchers on the UK‑France routes. Ryanair pulled the plug on 170 scheduled departures, leaving around 30,000 hopeful holidaymakers scrambling for new itineraries. The breath‑taking sabotage operates over French airspace, a roadblock to flights bound for Ireland, Greece, Spain and, of course, the UK.
What’s Really Going On?
- French air traffic controllers in another strike—so every overflight gets dumped or delayed.
- Passengers caught mid‑air with plans derailed: “It’s not just a flight; it’s a vacation denied.”
- Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, snapped back at the EU, demanding urgent intervention.
O’Leary’s Bungee‑Cord Pitch
“European families are held to ransom by French air‑traffic controllers going on strike,” O’Leary bellowed in a public outcry. He slammed the situation as “unacceptable” and “abundantly unfair” for EU travelers, noting:
“It’s like someone put a Go‑Stop sign in the middle of the sky—why are we forced to pull back to ground and cause chaotic ripple effects for holidaymakers heading across Europe?”
His Two‑Step Solution
O’Leary believes a quick, two‑pronged overhaul could wipe out roughly nine‑tenths of ATC lags. He’s waging a long‑term campaign for better staffing and consistent procedures, saying:
“By tightening the control system, we can stop another chain‑reaction of cancellations caused by a French ATC strike.”
Bottom Line for Passengers
- Keep an eye on the flight notification system—prices could change.
- If you’re booked for flights to Ireland, Greece, Spain, or the UK, you might have seen the list of 170 cancellations.
- Don’t be afraid to call the airline’s hotline; most staff are ready to rearrange itineraries in real time.
