French air traffic control strike causes severe traffic problems
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Hundreds of travellers found themselves stranded once again, due to this week's strike by French Air Traffic Control. According to budget airline Ryanair this is the 41st strike in 7 years. The airline has now called upon the French government as well as the European Commission to intervene. Union leaders claim the strike was aimed at improving safety measures.
All flights departing from or arriving in France, as well as those flying over French airspace were either severely delayed or cancelled, including flights from the UK to popular travel destinations in Spain and Portugal. Passengers travelling from Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton as well as other major UK airports were forced to reschedule flights or cancel their trip all together.
Right to compensation?
Unfortunately strikes such as these are considered an extraordinary circumstance and are therefore beyond the airline’s control. According to EU Regulation 261/ 2004 flights that are delayed or cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances are not eligible for compensation.
Written by: Flight-Delayed