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air traffic control strike
Travel news · 4 min read · September 11, 2025

French Air Traffic Control Strikes

French Air Traffic Controllers plan to strike on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th September

Short on time? Let us summarise this article for you.

Most French Air Traffic Controllers are on strike on 18th and 19th September and flights to and from France, as well as flights over French airspace, will be disrupted on both days.

September 2025 – French Air Traffic Controllers from the SNCTA union will walk out for 24 hours from the start of their morning shift on Thursday September 18th, and not return to work until the end of the night shift on the morning of Friday September 19th.

Unless the strike is called off it is likely to severely disrupt flights to and from France as well as flights over French airspace, eg many flights to and from the UK. The last French ATC strike, in July this year, involved two smaller unions and disrupted hundreds of flights. The best estimate from experts AirAdviser is that 50% of flights will be disrupted during the strike, which would equate to 200 flights to and from the UK or 36,000 passengers.

Our advice to all customers whose journeys may be disrupted:

  • Monitor local news and official travel advisories for the latest updates.
  • Contact your airline and accommodation provider directly for the latest information on your specific travel plans.
  • Consider the flexibility of your bookings:
    • Customers with Flextras: Free cancellations bookings can cancel any time up to the booked day and time of travel if required. You'll be issued with a flexible voucher that you can use to rebook once you have your new travel details.
    • Flextras: Saver customers can cancel for a voucher that you can use to book the same product again once your new plans are confirmed.
  • Use our online amends system to change dates, times, terminals, or other booking options, as well as cancelling your booking if necessary.
  • For customers with questions about a Holiday Extras travel insurance policy, email [email protected] for advice.

Customers already abroad

Our support team is fully briefed and here to help and guide those abroad and those concerned about their travel plans. The best way to reach them is using our Live Chat service: Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 5pm.

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Links and more information

We recommend checking the following sources for the latest information:


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