Budget airline Ryanair has been forced to cancel 170 flights across Europe, leaving approximately 30,000 passengers stranded or scrambling for alternatives, as ongoing strike action by French air traffic controllers continues to wreak havoc on the continent’s aviation industry.
The cancellations, announced early Wednesday, come amid a wave of disruption triggered by labor unrest in France, where unions are protesting pension reforms and staffing issues. Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers, called the situation “unacceptable” and urged the European Commission to take immediate action.
“This is the 89th day of disruption caused by French ATC strikes this year alone,” a Ryanair spokesperson said. “Yet the EU continues to allow flights over France to be disproportionately affected. We need urgent action to protect overflights and prevent another summer of travel chaos.”
Passengers have taken to social media to voice their frustration, with many reporting last-minute cancellations and inadequate customer support. Travel experts are warning that more disruptions could follow if no resolution is reached in the coming days.
Ryanair said affected customers have been notified and offered refunds or alternative flights. However, with July being the height of the European travel season, options for rebooking are limited.
French air traffic control strikes have long been a point of contention for European carriers. Unlike domestic flights within France, which can sometimes be protected during strikes, international overflights often bear the brunt of the cancellations — particularly those operated by non-French airlines.
The airline industry has repeatedly called for reforms to allow overflights during national ATC strikes, similar to minimum service agreements seen in other sectors.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Ryanair has not ruled out further cancellations later in the week.