The General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) announced today that negotiations with the National Union of Air Traffic Controllers (SNCTA) have failed to avoid a strike on April 25. According to the SNCTA, a “record mobilization” of staff is expected and will result in numerous flight cancellations. The failure of negotiations has led to this decision to strike, which is a protest against the air traffic control overhaul project presented by the administration.
The DGAC emphasized that discussions are still possible until Tuesday noon, the deadline for declaring oneself a striker. In the event of a controller strike, airlines are being asked to reduce their flight programs to match the available personnel and planned aircraft movements. This could result in significant disruptions and delays at airports, potentially affecting more than 70% of flights in certain areas.
The SNCTA stated that controllers are requesting salary increases and more hiring opportunities as part of their demands. The DGAC has not yet responded to these demands, but it remains committed to finding a resolution before the strike takes place.
The strike is scheduled to take place while spring school holidays are still ongoing in some regions, adding to the potential impact on travelers. The DGAC typically releases forecasts the day before strike days, outlining the necessary flight reductions to be made by airlines. This situation highlights the importance of effective communication between airlines, air traffic controllers, and passengers to minimize disruptions during this period of strike action.
It remains unclear what will happen after Tuesday noon when controllers must decide whether or not to go ahead with striking. However, one thing is certain: if negotiations fail and there is no resolution reached before April 25th, there will be widespread disruptions at French airports.
