DGAC calls for 25% flight reductions in Paris due to nationwide strike action

France's Direction Generale d'Aviation Civile (DGAC) recommended airlines cancel 25% of flights to/from Paris (Orly and CDG), due to a nationwide strike on 06-Sep-2010 (from 17:00 to at 05:00 on 07-Sep-2010) against the French Government's pension reforms (the government plans to increase the retirement age and raise employee contributions) (Dow Jones/Bloomberg, 06-Sep-2010). Demonstrations are planned in 137 cities, with the Bill to be considered in Parliament from today. Short-haul services were expected to be the most heavily impacted, with airlines attempting to operate medium and long-haul services as close to normal as possible. Air France stated all its long-haul flights would operate, as would 90% of short and medium-haul services from Paris CDG and 50% from Orly. flybe stated Manchester-Paris CDG and Birmingham-Paris CDG services would not operate, while Ryanair stated services to/from Ireland West Airport Knock and Reus Barcelona airports would be cancelled due to the strike action by French ATC staff. The carrier stated it was advised that the strike would cause flight delays and some cancellations for flights operating to/from French airports and those that overfly France. [more - Flybe] [more -Ryanair]