Cancellations bite as EU air-traffic controllers strike

British-based airlines have been forced to curtail flights in Europe as an EU air-traffic controllers strike plays havoc with carriers throughout the continent.

Despite British unions not being involved in the action, British-based carriers face cancellations and some flights may not be able to fly over French airspace – the largest and busiest in Europe – during the one-day strike.

As a result of the strikes, which are set to start on Wednesday June 19, BA have announced the cancellation of almost all their 126 flights in and out of France from midnight on Tuesday to midnight on Wednesday. Only four services will be able to operate as normal.

The company say that it is possible there may be some additional impact on flights which overfly French airspace, possibly affecting some services to and from Italy, Greece and Portugal. BA have pledged to provide the latest updates for passengers as soon as information becomes available.

In a statement, BA said: "We would like to apologise to our customers for the inconvenience but unfortunately the situation is completely outside our control. We are doing everything possible to minimise the disruption."

BA will either re-book its customers affected by the cancellations on the next available flight or offer vouchers to the value of their tickets.

Customers are being advised to telephone the airline on 0845 7799977 to check the latest status of flights or to visit the website at www.britishairways.com

Ryanair and easyJet are also warning of possible disruptions, with the Dublin-based Ryanair saying it expects flight delays and cancellations to take place. easyJet have also warned that the industrial action will cause severe disruption to all airlines operating in or flying over French airspace. Both carriers pledged to minimise the impact of the delays and make every effort to ensure passengers are accommodated.

Thirteen unions across EU states are coordinating strike action in protest at the so-called 'open sky' plan which proposes to remove national air-traffic control stations in preference for a centralised alternative. The unions believe the restructuring of resources in the name of efficiency will be made at the price of safety.

Air France believe that it could only operate 10% of its domestic flights, however long-haul flights should go ahead as normal. Alitalia have said that 50 flights are to be cancelled, and 100 more disrupted, leaving 8,000 passengers on the ground.

(GMcG)