A huge series of strikes has been affecting France for a few weeks now. What started out as a strike that only initially affected trains and ferries has now grown to an extensive strike of massive proportions which is already affecting some of the main air-traffic airlines of France. Starting with Tuesday, multiple flights of air companies will be affected, especially low-cost companies such as easyJet.
The strikes erupted after a severe negative reaction to the government’s new austerity plans, as well as issues arising with a newly proposed pension system, business policies and major budget costs. A similar conflict also occurred last year, when over 350 flights of easyJet and Ryanair were cancelled. The magnitude of the current strike is expected to reach massive proportions, with more than half of France’s flights being threatened in the coming weeks. French officials are warning tourists and visitors to France about upcoming “heavy disruptions” to the nation’s transportation system, especially its low-cost flights.
EasyJet is already advising its customers about flight cancellations, starting with Tuesday, the 24th of June, and lasting up to the 30th of June. “The DGAC (Directorate General for Civil Aviation) will meet on Monday morning and we expect them to advise us to cancel 50% of our flights in and out of France.” states an official posting on the company’s website. Thus, if you’re planning on visiting France for its summer festival season, be warned – there’s a good chance you could end up being stuck in an airport terminal for many hours.
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France is not the only country to face severe strikes. Italy’s train and air transportation is also currently affected by similar occurrences. Strikes have already affected the countries flight schedules this weekend, and are expected to continue to do so on Monday too. Severe worker strikes are also taking place in Austria as we speak, with the general population being extremely hostile towards the government’s plan to drastically change the pension system of the nation, resulting in 11% lower benefits for the retiring population. In light of these events, we recommend that you postpone any unimportant visits to these regions in Europe, or that at least you prepare yourself with alternative transportation arrangements.