French Air Traffic Controllers to Strike on September 18
French Air Traffic Controllers to Strike on September 18: Major Disruptions Expected Across European Flights
The SNCTA union, representing air traffic controllers in France, has announced that they will go on strike on September 18, 2025. The strike is expected to cause significant flight cancellations and delays across France and Europe.
Why Was the Strike Called?
SNCTA states that the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has failed to address their demands. The union argues that salaries have not kept up with last year’s high inflation and is calling for regular economic negotiations.
A Crisis Has Happened Before
This is not the first time such an issue has arisen. A similar strike in July led to thousands of flight cancellations and hours-long delays. Major airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Air France were particularly affected. At that time, the DGAC requested a 25–30% reduction in flights, especially in major cities like Paris, which further escalated tensions in the industry.
European Air Traffic at Risk
France is a key transit hub for European air traffic. As a result, the upcoming strike will affect not only domestic flights but also flights across Europe. Airlines face potential losses amounting to millions of euros, while passengers may see their travel plans severely disrupted.
A Management Crisis in Aviation
According to experts, this crisis highlights the need to reconsider management and communication practices within the aviation sector. At a time when passenger traffic is rapidly increasing, the strike represents a serious challenge for European aviation.
