UNSA-ICNA, France’s second-largest union representing air-traffic controllers, filed an official pre-strike notice on 30 June for walkouts scheduled on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 July, coinciding with the start of Europe’s summer holidays. The union denounces what it calls "toxic management" at the Direction des Services de la Navigation Aérienne (DSNA) and chronic under-investment in aging radar systems. Under French law, controllers must give five days’ notice, allowing the Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) to impose minimum-service levels. Aviation sources expect the DGAC to order airlines to cancel 20–35 % of flights at Paris-CDG, Orly, Lyon and Nice, with regional airports also affected. Low-cost carriers warn that even a reduced strike could cascade through tightly scheduled European rotations. The timing will test new EU passenger-rights rules, which from 2026 require airlines to offer rerouting within 12 hours or pay additional compensation if cancellations are caused by industrial action within the carrier’s control. While controller strikes are considered extraordinary circumstances, legal experts say airlines must still provide care and assistance. Corporate travel managers are already advising travellers with meetings in France or tight long-haul connections to shift itineraries to 2 July or 5 July where possible. Some companies are activating remote-work contingencies to avoid last-minute airfares. Freight forwarders anticipate delays for temperature-controlled pharma shipments unless DGAC grants priority slots. Negotiations are set for 2 July; if no deal is reached, the walkout will be the third national controller strike this year and could influence ongoing talks over a 32-hour working week proposal in the 2027–2032 collective agreement.
Source: UVET France – Aviation Newsfeed
