Ryanair has canceled more than 250 flights to France due to a planned strike by French air traffic controllers.
Further cancellations are likely, the low-cost airline warned.
The SNCTA union of air traffic controllers told the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGCA) that the strike would take place on April 8 and 9.
“Disruption is expected over the whole country,” the DGCA said.
The Authority has asked airlines to cut their schedules for flights to and from France on April 8 by 40%.
The SNCTA says it is unhappy about offers made by the state on new working conditions and retirement plans.
The union has also called on its members to go on strike between April 16-18 and April 29- May 2.
“We sincerely apologize to all customers affected by this unwarranted strike action and we call on the EU and French authorities to take measures to prevent any further disruption,” said Ryanair in a statement.
“It’s grossly unfair that thousands of European travelers will once again have their travel plans disrupted by the selfish actions of a tiny number of French ATC [air traffic control] workers.”
Ryanair is offering to transfer customers’ tickets to other flights or provide refunds.
Air France says that it expects to operate almost all its long-haul flights and 60% of its medium-haul flights to and from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.
Travelers booked on short- and medium-haul Air France flights on April 8 or April 9 can choose to travel between April 10 and April 15 instead, it said.
“Expect cancellations and major delays,” warned the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation on Twitter.
Greek public sector workers have begun a 24-hour strike to protest against continuing cuts in government spending.
Hospitals, tax offices, prisons and archaeological sites are expected to be disrupted by the action.
The workers are protesting against austerity measures, including a 40% reduction to salaries and pensions.
Greek public sector workers have begun a 24-hour strike to protest against continuing cuts in government spending (photo Reuters)
The strike coincides with a visit from Greece’s international creditors to check on the country’s progress.
The European Commission, the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank – known collectively as the Troika – are monitoring austerity measures that were a condition of a 240 billion-euro ($325 billion) bailout.
The lenders have praised Greece’s progress in meeting the targets set. It has achieved a “primary budget surplus”, with its deficit wiped out apart from interest owed on the bailout.
After six years of recession, the economy is expected to return to growth this year.
After Greece’s high court ruling that recent wage cuts to judges, the armed forces and emergency service workers were illegal and must be repaid, there will be tense discussions about the widening hole in next year’s finances.
The nagging question remains about how to bring down a 26% unemployment rate caused chiefly by four years of austerity.
Lufthansa has cancelled more than 500 flights in advance of a strike by workers on Thursday.
The Verdi union has called on 33,000 employees to stage a five-hour walkout in a row over wages and conditions.
Verdi is calling for a 5.2% increase in wages for employees at several Lufthansa divisions.
But the German airline is trying to cut costs in the face of soaring jet fuel prices and increased competition from Middle Eastern and low-cost airlines.
Lufthansa has cancelled more than 500 flights in advance of a strike by workers on Thursday
Lufthansa – Europe’s biggest by revenue – wants to freeze pay and increase the hours employees work by one hour per week.
Hamburg and Frankfurt will be the airports most affected by the action, the union said.
Lufthansa has cancelled 514 flights in total, mostly to German and European destinations, but most intercontinental flights should be unaffected, the airline said.
