Airlines demand action on ATC disruption

Airlines have called for an end to the dispute involving French air traffic controllers that has again disrupted hundreds of flights.

British Airways and Ryanair have called for unions and management to begin talks after the 12th day of strikes in three months in a dispute that centres over pay and staffing levels. Industrial action by French controllers is particularly disruptive at this time of year as they affect flights going to Spain, Italy and other Mediterranean destinations.

Ryanair has cancelled more than 100 flights from its bases around Europe. BA did not disclose how many it had been forced to cancel, but said: “We once again urge the French Government and the trade unions to resolve their issues so that customers can go on their holidays and business trips without these frequent threats of strike action hanging over them.”

BA said that where it could operate services, it would use larger aircraft where possible.

A spokesperson added: “We are offering our customers the chance to rebook their flights on Tuesday July 5 if they no longer wish to travel to/from France.”

Ryanair is offering free refunds or rebooking. It has launched an online petition against what it says is “tiny groups” of ATC unions going on strike and closing skies over Europe”.