France faces another bout of sky-high labour unrest after the SNCTA, the largest union representing air-traffic controllers, served notice on 15 February 2026 of a four-day walkout from 07–10 October. The union wants automatic salary indexation to inflation and fresh hiring to address what it calls “critical understaffing” in Marseille, Brest and Reims ACC centres.
Although October seems distant, network planners are already modelling scenarios. Low-cost carrier Ryanair says it could cancel up to 1,800 flights, mostly affecting French domestic and over-flight routes between the UK, Italy and Spain. Legacy groups Air France-KLM, IAG and Lufthansa warn that ripple effects could dwarf last July’s two-day stoppage, which disrupted 12,000 flights.
![French air-traffic controllers call four-day strike for 7–10 October 2026]()
Under EU Regulation 95/93, neighbouring ANSPs must accept additional traffic only if capacity allows, raising the spectre of widespread flow-control restrictions. Corporate mobility managers should flag the week to executives and consider switching critical trips to rail—or booking fully-flexible fares—until the industrial timetable becomes clearer.
For travellers who may have to reroute at short notice, VisaHQ can help smooth the administrative bumps. Its France information hub (https://www.visahq.com/france/) lists real-time visa rules, assists with electronic travel authorisations and even manages passport renewals, enabling both corporate and leisure passengers to adjust itineraries quickly if flights are rescheduled or diverted.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot condemned the pre-announcement as “hostage-taking,” but said the government remains open to arbitration if unions suspend the call. The SNCTA counters that early notice gives stakeholders time to adjust, minimising chaos.
Although October seems distant, network planners are already modelling scenarios. Low-cost carrier Ryanair says it could cancel up to 1,800 flights, mostly affecting French domestic and over-flight routes between the UK, Italy and Spain. Legacy groups Air France-KLM, IAG and Lufthansa warn that ripple effects could dwarf last July’s two-day stoppage, which disrupted 12,000 flights.
Under EU Regulation 95/93, neighbouring ANSPs must accept additional traffic only if capacity allows, raising the spectre of widespread flow-control restrictions. Corporate mobility managers should flag the week to executives and consider switching critical trips to rail—or booking fully-flexible fares—until the industrial timetable becomes clearer.
For travellers who may have to reroute at short notice, VisaHQ can help smooth the administrative bumps. Its France information hub (https://www.visahq.com/france/) lists real-time visa rules, assists with electronic travel authorisations and even manages passport renewals, enabling both corporate and leisure passengers to adjust itineraries quickly if flights are rescheduled or diverted.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot condemned the pre-announcement as “hostage-taking,” but said the government remains open to arbitration if unions suspend the call. The SNCTA counters that early notice gives stakeholders time to adjust, minimising chaos.
