European flight cancellations rise sharply

European flight cancellations soared in March as French air traffic controllers joined strikes over plans to increase the country’s retirement age.

Aviation analytics specialist Cirium published figures showing European flight cancellations rose 65 per cent in March, as Ryanair confirmed that more than 600,000 had signed a petition demanding that the EU act to protect travellers during strikes causing much of the problem.

“In March 2023, 14,405 flights were cancelled within Europe, up from 8,713 in February 2023,” said Cirium on Friday. The company noted that air traffic control and airport strikes contributed to the increase.

French air traffic controllers have downed tools on more than 50 days so far this year, 10 times more than in all of 2022.

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“Despite 2023 signalling a return to smoother travel experiences across the aviation industry, a number of last-minute air traffic control and airport strikes have caused a spike in cancellations,” said Cirium chief executive Jeremy Bowen.

Strikes by French air traffic controllers forced many airlines to axe scheduled services as the industrial action shut down a large share of European airspace.

Proposals by French president Emanuel Macron to increase the country’s retirement age to 64 prompted the air traffic controllers to join widespread workers’ protests.

Ryanair calculates that the strikes caused it to cancel 3,700 flights, hitting more than 660,000 passengers.

French air traffic control strikes primarily disrupt flights through the country’s air space between other European states.

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The country’s position and size mean that large numbers of flights travel through French skies including many Irish services destined for popular sunspots in the Mediterranean. France protects domestic routes during stoppages.

The problem has caused widespread anger across the European air travel industry, as the strikes disrupt thousands of passengers.

Airlines have called on the European Commission to take control of over flights to allow them continue through French air space during strikes.

Ryanair said more than 600,000 people had signed its petition calling on European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen to act to protect travellers and flights since its launch just five weeks ago.

The Irish group pledged to submit the petition to the commission and Ms von der Leyen once one million people have signed it.

A spokeswoman added that the airline was rapidly approaching that point. “EU citizens are now signing our petition to demand action from the EU Commission to protect them and their family’s travel plans this summer,” she added.

Industry organisations, including Airlines 4 Europe, of which Ryanair is a member, have also called on the commission to act.

Cirium noted that the number of cancellations rose in every global region in March, except North America, where they fell 16 per cent.