Air traffic control strike in France grounds UAE flights

A strike by air traffic controllers in France has left a number of international of flights grounded, including those from the UAE.

Dubai’s Emirates airline confirmed the cancellation of its flights in a statement to Emirates 24|7. “Due to a nationwide strike by Air Traffic Control staff in France, Emirates can confirm that flights EK075 Dubai to Paris and EK076 Paris to Dubai on Thursday 9 April have been cancelled,” a spokesperson stated.

The Dubai-based airline added that the decision to cancel the flights was based on French aviation authorities’ mandate to slash the number of flights into and from the country.

“This decision was made following the French civil aviation authorities imposing a mandatory schedule reduction on all airlines operating into the country. All other Emirates services to and from France on Thursday 9 April will operate to schedule,” the airline’s spokesperson said.

The two-day stoppage in France is due to dispute over working conditions and the authorities’ plans to raise the retirement age from 57 to 59 years.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways too confirmed in a statement that there has been a schedule disruption owing to the industrial action.

“Following a meeting between the French Air Traffic Control Union and the French Government, Etihad Airways, and all other airlines operating to France, will reduce its frequency to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport on Thursday 9 April,” an Etihad spokesperson stated.

“The following changes have been made to the Abu Dhabi – Paris CDG schedule: Flight EY37 on Thursday 9 April will now be rescheduled to depart at 03:00 on Friday 10 April,” the statement added.

“Guests booked on EY37 are being informed of the delay to their flight and will be assisted with their onward travel arrangements,” it said, adding “Etihad Airways regrets any inconvenience to its guests as a result of this industrial action.” 

UAE passengers travelling to France today are being advised to confirm their flights before leaving for the airport.

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