Government declares Paris airports are not low on fuel
France's Transport Minister Dominique Bussereau insisted Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly airports are not running low on fuel, despite aviation authorities requesting airlines operating short and medium-haul flights arrive with enough fuel for their return flights (Associated Press/AFP, 17-Oct-2010/Bloomberg, 18-Oct-2010). He admitted Nice and Nantes airports' fuel stocks are weakening, but stated shortages would be "resolved quickly". The ministry is considering bringing in fuel from Italy to resolve shortages at Nice Airport. There were concerns Charles de Gaulle would have run out of fuel supplies by 18-Oct-2010. The issue is the result of strike action across the country over the past week, during which strikers have blockaded a number of refineries and oil depots. Mr Bussereau stated Charles de Gaulle is now being "perfectly" fed with fuel after its fuel pipeline resumed supplying fuel on 16-Oct-2010. Unions have called for further protests and a national strike on 19-Oct-2010, over the French Government's plans to raise the minimum retirement age from 60 to 62. French air traffic controllers took part in the strike action on 16-Oct-2010 and 17-Oct-2010, with European airports warning flights to France may be delayed. [more - Cardiff Airport] [more - London Luton Airport]