Strikes in France and Spain Could Derail British Holiday Plans

British travelers planning trips to Spain this summer face potential travel disruptions due to planned industrial action. French air traffic controllers are set to strike in early July, coinciding with the peak summer travel season. This action, initiated by the UNSA-ICNA union, could significantly impact flights using French airspace, particularly those traveling between the UK and popular Spanish destinations like Majorca.

The strike, scheduled for July 3rd and 4th, could lead to flight delays and cancellations. Flights rerouting around France are also a possibility. The timing of the strike, just before the start of the French school summer holidays, adds to the potential for widespread disruption. Further complications could arise if other unions join the strike, potentially escalating the chaos.

Adding to the travel woes, EasyJet cabin crew members in Spain are also planning strikes on June 25th, 26th, and 27th. The Unión Sindical Obrera (USO) union, representing over 650 flight attendants, is demanding higher wages and improved working conditions. The strikes could affect flights from various Spanish travel hotspots, including Alicante, Barcelona, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has warned UK tourists about the potential for a summer of travel chaos. He cited understaffing and mismanagement of air traffic control networks as contributing factors to the expected disruptions.