Introduction to the Crisis
The head of Ryanair has expressed frustration towards the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, for not taking adequate measures to prevent disruptions caused by repeated French flight protection leader strikes. Michael O’Leary, the CEO of Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers, stated that von der Leyen has failed to get the situation under control at the EU level, following several recent disputes in France.
The Impact of Strikes
The most recent campaign, which began on Thursday, is expected to cause thousands of flights to be delayed or canceled due to French airspace closures. O’Leary mentioned that French domestic flights, as well as those from other nations like Italy and Greece, have been affected by air traffic control (ATC) strikes, and that minimum service laws have not been effective in mitigating the issue.
Call for EU Action
O’Leary criticized the EU’s inaction, stating that the vast majority of canceled flights could have operated under similar rules. He emphasized the need for the EU to protect the internal market for air travel, which is being disrupted by a small number of French air traffic controllers. O’Leary urged von der Leyen to take action, saying, "We continue to ask Ursula von der Leyen, why don’t you protect these unnecessary strikes, why is the internal market for air travel disrupted by a small number of French air traffic controllers?"
Consequences of Inaction
The strike has resulted in significant disruptions, with at least 1,500 canceled flights and over 300,000 travelers affected. Ryanair alone has reported more than 400 canceled flights, while rival Easyjet has canceled 274 services. O’Leary believes that the EU can take measures to prevent such disruptions for competitive reasons.
Security Concerns
The French Civil Aviation Agency (DGAC) had asked airlines to reduce flights to the three main airports in Paris by 40% on Friday due to the strike, citing concerns over HR and equipment quality. However, O’Leary described these security concerns as "nonsense," stating that air traffic controllers have the right to strike but not to close the skies.
Frustration and Condemnation
O’Leary is not alone in expressing frustration, as French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot has also condemned the measures and the reasons behind them. Tabarot stated that the goal of the strike is to "disturb as many people as possible." Passengers affected by the cancellations are entitled to a refund or an alternative flight, and may also be able to claim reimbursement for the full cost of their return ticket if the outgoing leg is canceled.
