French civil aviation authority asks airlines to cut flights due to strike

France DGAC has asked airlines to cut their flights to France on 19-Oct-2010 due to possible national strike action (Associated Press, 18-Oct-2010). DGAC requested airlines cancel 50% of flights to/from Paris Orly Airport and 30% to/from other French airports, including Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Short and medium-haul operations are expected to be widely affected, long-haul operations less so. Union, CGT, called for workers to group at the country's airports for the day (Reuters, 18-Oct-2010). The union stated the protest would not necessarily involve blocking airport access, but it is an option. The ongoing strike action over the French Government's plans to increase the retirement age to 62 resulted in similar cancellations on 12-Oct-2010. DGAC has also requested airlines arrive at French airports with enough fuel for the return trip, as strikers continue to blockade refineries and oil depots;

• Responses:
  
  • Aeroports de Paris (AdP) stated the strike had resulted in some delays on 18-Oct-2010;
  • Air France stated it made stops to fuel up on four long haul services on 18-Oct-2010. ;
  • Ryanair stated it has already cancelled 200 flights (telegraph.co.uk, 18-Oct-2010);
  • British Airways advised passengers to expect "delays and disruption";
  • European airports have warned passengers of potential delay or cancellations. [more - Belfast International Airport]