Without any warning whatsoever flights to and from major airports across France were cancelled when French Air Traffic Controllers decided to walk away from their duties and hold a strike. According to Eurocontrol, an air traffic agency, more than two thousands flights all over Europe were affected by the French ATC strike that started on June 11, 2013. Eurocontrol clarified that according to the workers who initiated the strike they intend to hold a three-day campaign to signify their opposition to the EU’s Single European Sky (SES) program.
Airports affected
On the first day of the ATC strike the effect on European airspace was considerable. Along with other airports in Europe, those in France and Hungary were the ones mostly affected by the strike held by air traffic controllers. Thousands of flights were cancelled causing travelers hassle and headache. Reports revealed that the most affected flights came from Charles De Gaulle, Toulouse and Marseille Airports in France.
According to EasyJet, 66 flights coming and going to the United Kingdom were cancelled on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 alone. The strike paralyzed flights in Heathrow Airport in London where 27 flights were cancelled on the same day.
Advice given to passengers
As far as passengers were concerned, the cancellation of their flights was a very unfortunate incident indeed. But with the help of civil aviation authorities, prospective passengers were advised to consult flight schedules and availability in order to minimize hassled and to avoid further travel delays. Airline companies were also instructed to avoid taking advance bookings for as long as the strike still persists.
One airline company, EasyJet was more than helpful in assisting passengers held up at airports due to the cancellation of their flights. According to EasyJet’s management, their company tirelessly assisted customers that were affected by the cancellation of flights. The airline also stated that it is more than willing to refund affected tickets and if feasible, facilitate the booking of passengers to the next available flight to their destination.
At Charles de Gaulle Airport, a spokeswoman announced that normal operations and flight continuation was expected to resume on June 14, Thursday. The status quo and normal airspace operations are also expected to resume in airports across the United Kingdom.
“Single European Sky”
European air travel has gradually but consistently increased over the past few decades. The numbers were noted by the European Commission and an idea gave birth to the creation of the SES and SES II programs that the French Air Traffic Controllers strike organizers are opposing. French ATCs believe that the implementation of these programs would hinder their growth and deny them of certain opportunities that could be beneficial to them and their careers.
According to the European Commission, the rationale for the creation of the SES is to establish a solid framework in proper aviation procedures in the whole of Europe. The purpose for which the SES was created was to increase air traffic flow while only spending on what equates with high quality performance. Meanwhile, the SES II is a leveling up of the first program and includes additional policies concerning specific areas such as safety and environmental awareness.
Photo Credit: Charles de Gaulle Airport
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