FCDO warns strike action in France could disrupt ferries and flights
The Foreign Office (FCDO) has warned holidaymakers heading to France over the next few weeks of possible delays and disruption to their travels due to a series of strikes.
UK authorities have notified travellers that “planned industrial action by port worker and air traffic control unions is expected to disrupt some ferry routes and flights across France”, adding that some services could be diverted or cancelled.
“Check your operator’s advice before travelling, including where you are taking connecting flights,” the FCDO added.
The FCDO warning comes ahead of a planned walk out from air traffic control (ATC) workers at Orly airport starting on Tuesday (11 June) due to a dispute over salaries and working conditions.
The strike will likely impact dozens of flights to and from Paris, including Vueling and easyJet’s services from the UK. The Spanish low-cost carrier told TTG it was making "the necessary adjustments" to its schedule due to the upcoming strikes.
"Vueling has made necessary adjustments to its flight schedule over this period to minimize the impact on its customers," a spokesperson added.
"Vueling is informing those affected of the alternative options available to them, to ensure as least disruption as possible."
ATC staff at another Paris airport – Beauvais – walked out over the same issues last week, forcing Ryanair to cancel around 100 flights on 6 June.
Meanwhile, ferry services to France will continue to face disruption as dock and port workers will strike on 13, 21 and 25 June as part of an ongoing dispute with the Elysee over the increase of retirement age for port workers to 60 years’ old.
This is in addition to a strike called on 7 June, which led to the cancellation of several ferries at Cherbourg and Calais.
The protests will take place despite president Emmanuel Macron calling snap legislative elections after being crushed by far-right party National Rally in the European parliament elections on Sunday (9 June).
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