By Dayo Ade Olusola | M10News Travel Desk|Sunday, 6 July 2025 – Dublin
Ryanair has once again called for urgent reform of Europe’s air traffic control (ATC) systems, as widespread disruption from French ATC strikes entered their fourth consecutive day, affecting tens of thousands of passengers during the peak summer travel period.
The Irish low-cost airline said more than 400 flights have been cancelled this week, impacting over 70,000 travellers. The disruption stems from an industrial action launched by French air traffic controllers on July 3, citing staff shortages and outdated infrastructure.
In a strongly worded statement, Ryanair accused the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of failing to act, urging her to resign if she does not reform the bloc’s ATC structure. “EU passengers are being held ransom yet again by French ATC staff, while Brussels continues to do nothing,” the airline said.
The company has proposed two key reforms:
- Ensuring ATC services are fully staffed for early morning departures.
- Protecting overflights during national ATC strikes to prevent knock-on effects on flights not landing in France.
“These two simple reforms would eliminate 90% of ATC delays,” the statement claimed.
Widespread Disruption Across Europe
The French Civil Aviation Authority has ordered airlines to cut flights by up to 50% at regional airports including Nice, Marseille, Lyon, Ajaccio, and Montpellier. In Paris, flights were reduced by 25%.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary criticised the ongoing chaos: “Once again, European families are held to ransom. It’s unacceptable that flights not even landing in France are being disrupted.”
EasyJet has also reported extensive disruption. A spokesperson said they were “extremely unhappy” with the repeated delays, adding, “Long-term solutions must be found for our customers and crew.”
According to EasyJet, 22 UK flights were affected on July 3 and 38 the following day.
Travellers Advised to Check Before Flying
The UK Foreign Office has urged passengers flying to or over France to check flight updates. Delays and cancellations are expected to continue as the strike shows no sign of resolution.
Passenger Rights Explained
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says passengers on UK and EU airlines are entitled to meals, accommodation, and alternative flights during delays or cancellations. If no immediate assistance is offered, passengers should retain receipts to claim “reasonable” expenses later.
However, passengers are not eligible for financial compensation if delays result from “extraordinary circumstances”, such as political unrest or third-party strikes—which includes ATC walkouts.
For those on package holidays, the ABTA travel association provides support and may assist with refunds or rebookings.
Travellers who miss pre-paid accommodation or excursions may be able to claim via their credit card providers or travel insurers. Analysts at Defaqto warn that only 30% of policies cover broader travel disruption, although 94% cover full travel abandonment.
Refunds and Alternatives
If a flight is cancelled, passengers can either opt for a full refund or ask the airline to book alternative travel at no extra cost. This applies to all legs of a journey under UK and EU law.
Delays must last:
- Two hours or more for short-haul (under 1,500km)
- Three hours for medium-haul (1,500–3,500km)
- Four hours for long-haul flights
Ryanair maintains that these strikes, though beyond its control, highlight systemic flaws in European aviation management.
“We need action, not apologies,” O’Leary said. “Without reform, these disruptions will continue to plague Europe’s skies.”
Editing by M10News Travel Desk | Contact: info@m10news.com
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