On Wednesday, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) announced that the majority union SNCTA had reached an agreement with air traffic controllers in France. As a result, the strike called for by all air traffic controllers’ unions in aviation on Thursday was canceled. The DGAC stated that the decision to lift the notice of strike was made after last-minute conciliation talks between the unions and management.
The strikes were initially called after negotiations failed on accompanying measures for an overhaul of air traffic control in France. The overhaul is aimed at increasing productivity at French airports. Prior to the notice being lifted, it was estimated that 75% of flights at Orly and 65% at Roissy Charles de Gaulle would be canceled on Thursday, with an average of 60% of flights at all French airports at risk of not operating.
The DGAC stated on Tuesday that the high percentage of cancellations was expected before the majority union’s announcement. However, after extremely last-minute conciliation talks, an agreement was reached, leading to the cancellation of the strike. The DGAC thanked both parties for their efforts in finding a solution and ensured that all necessary measures were being taken to ensure safe and efficient operations at French airports.
