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Avoiding Disruption from the French ATC Strike on 18-19th September 2025

What’s happening, and Why it matters?

France’s largest air traffic controllers’ union, SNCTA, has declared a 24-hour strike beginning the morning of Thursday 18th September, continuing through Friday 19th September. This follows a failure in social dialogue with the Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC).

Because the SNCTA represents roughly 60% of all French ATC staff, this strike is expected to cause extensive disruption across French airports - particularly around Paris, even flights overflying French airspace, affecting major routes between the UK, Spain, Italy and beyond.


What History shows

  • In July 2025, ATC action led to the cancellation of up to 40% of flights at Paris airports, plus major delays across other hubs like Nice and Marseille

  • Airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet were heavily impacted. Ryanair had over 170 flights scrapped, affecting 30,000–70,000 passengers

Who’s most likely to be Affected


  • Anyone departing from or arriving at French airports - expect cancellations or delays

  • Flights crossing French airspace (even without landing in France). These might be rerouted or cancelled due to airspace restrictions



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How you can Mitigate the Impact


Book Smart & Stay Informed


  • Monitor your airline’s communications - many notify impacted passengers in advance via SMS or email

  • Check flight status regularly via airline and airport websites, and be prepared for last-minute changes

  • Private Charter Flights – Private Flights may still face delays or disruptions so it's important to check with your Account Manager on the status of your flight. Unlike scheduled airlines services however private airlines will have more flexibility to adapt to any possible disruptions on the day, including rerouting


Build in Extra Time


  • Arrive early - the situation may result in longer check-in and boarding times

  • Plan flexible connections and avoid tight layovers if possible


Have Backup Options


  • Look into alternate routes, such as avoiding French airspace altogether or flying in and out of less affected airports eg. Nice/Genoa, Chambery/Geneva or Lille/Kortrijk


Consider Other Modes of Transport


  • Trains might be busy too; there’s a general strike scheduled on 18th September that affects rail, though SNCF might give notice 1–2 days beforehand

  • Ferries or regional airports might face disruptions, but still could serve as viable back-up options


Follow Key Channels

  • Local authorities (like DGAC), airlines, and union statements will issue updates 48 hours beforehand about flight cancellations and service changes

  • Strategic Advice by Type of Traveler


Traveler Type & Recommended Actions

  • Business travellers Book early flights; allow cushion for delays or cancellations; have backup options


  • Holidaymakers or families Fly in/out a day earlier or later, monitor communications closely, check insurance


  • Transit passengers Ensure enough connection buffer; explore non-French transit routes


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In summary:

The SNCTA ATC strike on 18-19th September 2025 promises widespread ramifications for air travel across France and neighbouring countries. Whether you're flying into, out of, or over France, proactive planning, flexibility and awareness will be your best tools to avoid the worst of the disruptions.

 
 
 

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