On July 1, 2025, the French civil aviation authority, DGAC, announced significant flight cancellations at major Paris airports due to an upcoming strike by air traffic controllers scheduled for July 3 and 4.

In southern France, airports such as Nice, Bastia, and Calvi will experience a staggering 50% reduction in their flight schedules, with Nice being the third busiest airport in the country.

As travelers gear up for their summer vacations, they are faced with a challenging situation as the strike will severely disrupt flight operations, particularly in southern France.

The DGAC has acknowledged chronic understaffing issues that are impacting service quality and is advocating for an ambitious recruitment plan to address these staffing concerns.

The UNSA-ICNA union, representing 17% of air traffic controllers, has decided to proceed with the strike after two unsuccessful conciliatory meetings with the DGAC, citing structural understaffing and poor management as key grievances.

Joining the UNSA-ICNA in the strike call is the USAC-CGT union, which represents 16% of votes and has criticized the deteriorating social conditions at the DGAC.

The DGAC expressed regret over the timing of the strike, as it coincides with peak travel days during the busy summer holiday season.

Passengers are being advised to consider changing their flights to avoid potential disruptions caused by the strike.

Despite the DGAC's preventative measures, significant delays and disruptions are expected across all French airports.

To manage the situation, the DGAC has mandated airlines to cancel a quarter of their flights at Beauvais Airport, where low-cost carrier Ryanair operates.

While the first union, SNCTA, which represents 60% of votes, is not participating in the strike, the other unions are moving forward with their plans to protest.