A new wave of air travel misery is about to hit France, as the SNCTA—the largest air traffic control union in France—has confirmed a strike set to begin with the morning shift on Thursday, September 18, 2025, and end with the night shift on Friday, September 19, 2025.
Reasons for Conflict: Pay and Management are being constantly scrutinized
The SNCTA represents around 60% of French air traffic controllers and reports that their attempts to have positive dialogue with the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) have not generated meaningful results.
The union’s demands are as follows:
● Cost of Living Adjustments to address inflation.
● An overhaul to the management’s practices, stating that they are characterized by “mistrust,” “punitive practices,” and “humiliating management ways.”
Why This Strike May Hit Harder
Unlike the July strike, in this strike the SNCTA is the leading union, and because of its large size, analysts and industry sources expect a higher level of disruption even if other unions (such as UNSA-ICNA and USAC-CGT) choose not to strike.
The July strike had already been costly: an Eurocontrol analysis indicated that, on average, there were 1,422 flights that were canceled each day, and 3,713 flights delayed each day during the disruption (the most affected airlines included Ryanair, easyJet, Air France, Volotea, and Vueling).
What Passengers Can Expect
● If you have a flight scheduled between September 18 and 19, prepare for flight cancellations or delays.
● The DGAC is usually under an obligation to inform airlines within 48 hours of expected levels of disruption; updates should be readily available before the strike begins.
● Passengers should keep an eye on their airline’s communications and check in with airport communications for real-time information.
● While impacted passengers can ask for a refund or a rebooking, there is no guarantee of any financial compensation since strikes are classified as “extraordinary circumstances” under EU legislation.
A Wider Context of Labor Unrest
This strike is part of a wider wave of industrial action across France in the first half of September. Other areas of the public sector, including rail, education, healthcare, pharmacy, and civil service, are planning protests or strikes around the same time.
A significant national protest titled “Bloquons tout” (“Let’s Block Everything”), is planning a general strike on September 10 to protest government austerity measures — raising the stakes on the national disruption.
Outlook
With the SNCTA advocating for strike action, as part of a rolling wave of unrest, troubles are on the horizon for France’s airspace – an important hub in European air traffic. Travellers, airlines, and authorities are preparing for one of the busiest upheavals in transport before the autumn months.