For the past 18 months, French air travel has been significantly disrupted by strikes, causing chaos and widespread cancellations. One particularly disruptive day was even labeled a “journée noir” (black day) for French airports by the press.
Now, another strike is on the horizon. The UNSA-ICNA, the union for air traffic controllers at Paris Orly airport, has announced a walkout next week. The last strike by this union in May resulted in the cancellation of 70% of flights to and from Orly.
Affected Flights at Paris Orly
The upcoming strike will affect flights at Paris Orly from June 11 to June 13. As the second-largest airport in Paris, after Paris-Charles de Gaulle in Roissy, this disruption will impact a significant number of travelers. Other airports across France are not expected to be affected by this strike.
It remains unclear whether the strike will impact overflights—flights that pass over French airspace without taking off or landing in France. French airspace handles over 2.5 million flights each year. Travelers planning to fly to or from Paris Orly, or those passing through French airspace next week, should stay updated with their airlines for the latest information.
Reasons Behind the Strikes at Paris Orly Airport
Air traffic controllers at Paris Orly have been striking regularly in protest against the new ‘48-hour law’. This law dictates the notice period they must give before going on strike. While this rule already applies to employees of the SNCF national railways and the Paris public transport operator RATP, it has met with significant resistance from air traffic control unions.
The new regulations also involve an expansion of duties for air traffic controllers. In response, workers are demanding higher pay and increased recruitment to handle the additional responsibilities. Another concern for controllers at Paris Orly is the shift of Air France’s flight operations to Paris-Charles de Gaulle, leading to a perception that Orly is being deprioritized by the French civil aviation authority (DGAC).
“Orly is clearly relegated to second place by the DGAC compared to the other Paris airport,” said an anonymous UNSA-ICNA source to AFP.
Understanding the UNSA-ICNA Union
The UNSA-ICNA union is the second-largest union representing air traffic controllers in France. The largest union, SNCTA, signed an agreement with the DGAC in May regarding salaries and the 48-hour law, and subsequently canceled its planned strikes. SNCTA has distanced itself from the current action at Paris Orly, emphasizing in a press release that the travel disruptions are being caused by “minority” unions.
Travelers should remain vigilant and check for updates from their airlines regarding the potential impact of the strike.
 for French airports by the press.Now, another strike is on the horizon. The UNSA-ICNA, the union for air traffic controllers at Paris Orly airport, has announced a walkout next week. The last strike by this union in May resulted in the cancellation of 70% of flights to and from Orly.){kind=link}