Massive Flight Cancellations Expected at Paris-Orly Due to Air Traffic Control Strike
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) has announced that 70% of flights at Paris-Orly will be canceled this Saturday due to an air traffic control strike. This disruption stems from a call to strike by one of the main air traffic controllers' unions, Unsa-Icna, which cited inadequate staffing as the primary reason for the protest.
Air operators are required to reduce their commercial flight schedules by 70% from 4 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. GMT on May 25, 2024. Unsa-Icna, the second representative union of air traffic controllers, has expressed concerns over recent agreements, stating they do not address the critical issue of understaffing. 'Our managers persist, for Orly, in stinginess and apothecary calculations which will quickly reduce the teams to understaffing,' Unsa-Icna stated in a leaflet.
Ongoing Issues and Upcoming Strikes
The union insists that adequate staffing levels are essential to guarantee safe working conditions for air navigation control engineers. They also criticized the agreement signed at the end of April between the DGAC and the main controllers' union, the SNCTA, which holds 60% of the votes. Unsa-Icna and the third representative union, Usac-CGT, are dissatisfied with this agreement, claiming it falls short in addressing the expected understaffing issues at Orly by 2027.
The prior strike on April 25 resulted in the cancellation of several thousand flights across France and Europe. In conjunction with Unsa-Icna's mobilization at Orly, the Usac-CGT union has filed a strike notice from May 23 to 30, protesting the perceived weakening of the 'territorial network' planned by the air traffic control reform.
Impact on Travelers and Airlines
The ongoing strikes highlight the critical need for a more sustainable staffing solution in the air traffic control sector. Travelers using Paris-Orly can expect significant disruptions this weekend, especially on May 25. Both the airlines and passengers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses and potential cancellations during this period. The DGAC was not immediately able to provide additional details on the impact of the social movement on flight programs at Paris-Orly.
- The aviation sector has been increasingly plagued by labor disputes and staffing issues, which have led to numerous flight cancellations and disruptions. Stakeholders are calling for long-term solutions to mitigate the impact on passengers and the industry at large.
- Given the complex nature of air traffic control staffing and the critical role these professionals play in maintaining safety standards, it is essential for unions and regulatory bodies to reach a comprehensive and lasting agreement.
