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France Travel Set to Freeze as New September Air Traffic Control Strike to Causes Widespread Chaos at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and More Airports Across Europe
Published on
August 30, 2025
France travel is set to freeze as the new September air traffic control strike threatens to cause widespread chaos at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and multiple other airports across Europe. On September 18-19, France’s largest air traffic controllers’ union is going to hold a strike. Domestic and international flight operations will be severely interrupted. The strike will affect major flight hubs, severely delaying, canceling, and potentially gridlocking flights throughout European air space. Because France is centrally located within Europe, the impact will be felt not just in France, but also in neighboring countries, meaning that a lot of people will be traveling unneccessarily.
Air Traffic Control Strike in France Expected to Cause Widespread Flight Disruptions in September
Travelers planning to fly through France in mid-September 2025 should brace for potential disruptions, as France’s largest air traffic control union has announced a strike. The industrial action, filed by the SNCTA union, is scheduled from the morning of Thursday, September 18, to the end of Friday, September 19, 2025. This strike comes after a breakdown in social dialogue, according to a press release from the union.
While the SNCTA has confirmed its participation, other unions in the sector, such as UNSA-ICNA and USAC-CGT, have not yet declared whether they will join the strike. The outcome of their decision will play a significant role in determining the level of disruption across France’s airspace.
Widespread Impact Expected Across French Airports
Air traffic controllers at airports throughout France, including key hubs like Paris Charles-de-Gaulle, are urged to participate in the strike. As one of Europe’s busiest air traffic zones, France’s airspace plays a pivotal role in European and international flight paths. Consequently, the industrial action is expected to have a substantial impact on both departing and arriving flights, particularly from countries such as the UK, Spain, and Italy, which rely on French airspace for their travel routes.
Given the centrality of France’s airspace, flights traveling through it, even if originating from other European airports, are likely to experience delays or cancellations. Travelers flying to and from major French airports, including Paris Orly and Nice, should prepare for disruptions, with delays and cancellations likely to affect flight schedules.
Potential for Significant Disruption
Although the precise scale of disruption is not yet fully clear, travelers should expect significant delays. The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) will release further details about the extent of the disruption two days before the strike begins. This will help airlines and passengers prepare for the potential impact, but for now, the advice remains to stay in close contact with airlines and check for updates on flight statuses.
It is anticipated that the disruption in September will be more severe than the strike earlier this year, which occurred in July. The strike in July, supported by unions UNSA-ICNA and USAC-CGT, was substantial but did not involve the SNCTA. The SNCTA represents approximately 60% of France’s air traffic controllers, meaning that their participation is likely to result in a greater level of disruption this time around, even if the other unions do not join the strike.
What Travelers Should Do
If you’re scheduled to fly during the strike period, here are a few steps to help you navigate the potential disruptions:
- Monitor Your Flight Status: Airlines are expected to provide timely updates as the strike date approaches. Keep checking with your airline for any changes to your flight’s schedule.
- Prepare for Cancellations or Delays: Given the expected disruptions, passengers may face cancellations or extended delays. Consider making alternate travel arrangements or adjusting your plans if possible.
- Contact Your Airline: Airlines will likely send out notifications if your flight is affected. Make sure to keep your contact details up to date with your airline so that you can be informed of any changes to your travel itinerary.
- Arrive Early: If your flight is confirmed to be operating, it’s advisable to arrive at the airport earlier than usual to allow time for potential additional checks or delays due to the strike.
- Stay Informed via the French Civil Aviation Authority: The DGAC will update the public on the situation and will provide more specific information two days before the strike begins. Ensure that you are aware of these updates to make informed decisions about your travel plans.
The Importance of Social Dialogue and Unions in the Air Traffic Control Sector
The breakdown in negotiations between the French government and the SNCTA union highlights ongoing tensions within the air traffic control sector. The SNCTA’s decision to strike stems from unresolved issues in discussions, which the union claims have been neglected by the authorities. While the SNCTA represents the largest proportion of air traffic controllers, smaller unions also have a role to play in shaping the outcomes of industrial actions.
In past strikes, other unions have joined forces with the SNCTA to amplify their demands. However, this time, the future of the strike may hinge on whether UNSA-ICNA and USAC-CGT unions opt to participate. If these unions decide to strike, the scale of disruption is expected to grow even more significant.
The Impact of Strikes on the European Aviation System
Strikes involving air traffic controllers are not uncommon in Europe. In recent years, labor unrest has led to widespread disruptions, as seen in similar industrial actions in other countries. These strikes typically result in delays, cancellations, and ripple effects across the broader European aviation system, affecting not only France but also other international routes that pass through French airspace.
The travel sector has been highly sensitive to these strikes, as they cause significant delays for airlines and passengers alike. Additionally, these disruptions often put a strain on airport staff, who must manage the fallout from delayed flights and other issues arising from strikes.
As France braces for potential air traffic control disruptions in mid-September, passengers flying to and from French airports or through French airspace should be prepared for delays and cancellations. The SNCTA strike, set to begin on September 18, 2025, is expected to have a significant impact on both domestic and international travel. Travelers are urged to monitor their flight statuses, stay in touch with airlines, and keep an eye out for updates from the French Civil Aviation Authority.
France travel is set to freeze as the new September air traffic control strike causes widespread chaos at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and more airports across Europe. The strike, scheduled for September 18-19, is expected to disrupt flight operations, leading to significant delays and cancellations across major European hubs.
Given the large-scale impact of the strike, it is crucial to plan accordingly and be prepared for changes to your travel schedule.
