From 11-13 June, 2024, Paris Orly air traffic control shut down will impact flights. This is due to ongoing strikes, hitting hard Paris’s second-largest airport. The UNSA-ICNA union, representing the air traffic controllers, is leading this action. Their May strike already caused 70% of flights to be canceled.
Travelers should watch out and stay in touch with their airlines as the date gets closer. They need the latest updates during this uncertain time.
More than 2.5 million flights fly through French skies each year. The shutdown could greatly disrupt these flights. It stems from disagreements on new rules, pay, and job roles. These issues are made worse by big challenges such as inflation and efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
The Paris Orly shutdown marks a key time for travelers everywhere. It affects both domestic and international flights significantly.
Impact of Paris Orly Air Traffic Control Shut Down on Travelers
The scheduled shutdown of Paris Orly from 11-13 June, 2024, will greatly affect travelers. Flight delays and cancellations are expected to cause chaos. In May, a similar strike canceled 70% of flights. Such shutdowns create huge problems, as over 2.5 million flights use French airspace annually.
Flight Cancellations
The coming shutdown will likely cancel many flights. The last strike by UNSA-ICNA union saw a 70% cancellation rate at Paris Orly. Disruption affects not only Orly but also flights passing through due to Europe’s interconnected air traffic.
Passenger Stranding and Alternatives
Passengers may get stranded, facing travel gridlock. They might need to book new accommodation or find other transport. Finding alternate routes in advance can lessen these difficulties.
Travel Advisory and Airline Announcements
During this travel crisis, keeping updated is essential. Airlines like Ryanair are communicating through social media and their websites. They had nearly 100 flight cancellations last time. Constantly checking for new flight information can help manage the stress.
Reasons Behind the Shutdown
The issue leading to the shutdown at Paris Orly Airport from June 11-13 is quite serious. It is due to a conflict between air traffic controllers and regulators. The fight stems from a new rule called the ’48-hour law,’ enforced by the UNSA-ICNA union. This rule requires controllers to give a two-day notice before striking. The union finds this rule limiting, aggravating existing tensions that have already caused major disruptions.
In May, a strike led by the UNSA-ICNA union canceled 70% of flights at Orly. The upcoming shutdown could worsen things, impacting thousands of travelers. Each year, over 2.5 million flights pass through French skies. A disruption at a key airport like Orly has big consequences.
The dispute mainly focuses on the ’48-hour law’ and other new rules. While the SNCTA, a major union, and the DGAC have reached an agreement, UNSA-ICNA has not. Another big issue is upgrading the air traffic control system. This problem has already caused the cancellation of about 16,500 flights. Nearly 80% of the system requires updates.
Besides, there are complaints about compensation and increasing workloads. Controllers are worried about more work, changing flight priorities, and possibly moving Air France’s base to another airport. These issues add stress and are linked to larger concerns like rising costs and efforts to make flying greener.
The aviation industry is at a tipping point, facing complex challenges. There’s a crucial need to manage airspace and maintain efficient operations. These factors are central to the ongoing disputes.
Navigating the Shutdown: Tips for Travelers
The Paris Orly air traffic control will shut down from June 11-13, 2024. This will cause a big problem for travelers. With 70% of flights going in and out expected to be canceled, planning ahead is key. Checking in with airlines for flight status updates is critical.
It’s smart to have a backup travel plan. Look into other ways to travel, like trains or renting a car. This is useful if your flight gets canceled or delayed a lot. For example, when Gatwick airport had to cancel many flights on August 28, 2023, other travel options helped people get where they needed to go with less trouble.
Be ready for longer waits at airports and on customer service lines. Disruptions, like the one on August 28, 2023, that upset 700,000 passengers show this can happen. Also, think about changing your trip to go somewhere not affected by the shutdown. This worked well last year during a big strike that led to many canceled and delayed flights. With over 80 days of strikes since 2023, being prepared helps travelers deal with these emergency situations better.
