Flight Cancellations and Delays Expected on December 5
On December 5, 2024, significant disruptions are anticipated at several airports in France due to a nationwide strike organized by public sector unions. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) has announced that airlines will be required to reduce their flight schedules as a precautionary measure. Specifically, 10% of flights at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport will be canceled between 6 a.m. and noon, and 25% of flights at Paris-Orly airport will be canceled starting at 6 p.m. Furthermore, Marseille airport is expected to see a 50% cancellation rate from 6 p.m., while Toulouse airport will face a 20% reduction throughout the day.
Passengers are advised to check with their airlines and consider postponing travel plans if possible, as further disruptions and delays are likely despite these preventive measures. This strike comes just weeks before the holiday season, raising concerns for travelers.
Unions Mobilize Against Government Measures
The strike is part of a broader interprofessional mobilization against the French government's proposed budget cuts, which include efforts to collect an additional billion euros annually from the aviation sector. Various unions, including CGT, CFDT, UNSA, FSU, Solidaires, CFE-CGC, and FA-FP, are protesting against these austerity measures. The National Union of Airline Pilots (SNPL) previously mobilized on November 14 against similar government policies, indicating ongoing tensions between the aviation sector and the government.
Civil Servants Join the Protest
In addition to the aviation sector, civil servants are also participating in the strike, with significant participation expected from school teachers. The FSU-SNUIpp union has reported that approximately 65% of teachers in the first degree are anticipated to strike. The mobilization is a response to the government's plan to combat absenteeism among civil servants, which is projected to save 1.2 billion euros. This initiative has strained relations between unions and the Minister of the Civil Service, leading to a breakdown in social dialogue and further escalating the situation ahead of the planned strike.
