Holidaymakers heading to Europe in October face fresh travel chaos as France’s biggest air traffic controllers’ union has pushed back its nationwide strike to 7 to 9 October 2025.
Online interest is already surging with searches for ‘France strike’ up 709% as travellers look for answers.
France welcomed a record-breaking 100 million international visitors in 2024, cementing its position as the world’s most visited country. During October’s peak travel season, Charles de Gaulle Airport alone typically processes over 200,000 passengers daily, and France saw roughly 1m overnight stays by international tourists between October 9-11th in 2024. With hundreds of thousands of travellers expected to pass through French airspace during this crucial period, the October 7-10 strike timing couldn’t be more disruptive.
Jacob Wedderburn-Day, travel expert and CEO of Stasher, offers guidance for travellers facing French aviation disruptions. “Flight delays will affect not only French airports but also flights passing through French airspace to reach other European destinations.”
What Travellers Should Do Now
- Monitor flight updates closely: “SNCTA air traffic control union postponed September 18-19 strikes to October 7-10, though smaller unions may still strike September 18. Air France offers free rescheduling whilst Ryanair warns of 700+ potential cancellations affecting 125,000 travellers. Check with your airline 48 hours before travel for official disruption forecasts.”
- Plan for extended airport time: “Arrive 3 hours early for international flights and 2 hours for domestic flights during potential strike periods. The September 10 strikes already caused 162 flight delays and 7 cancellations at Charles de Gaulle, plus 61 delays and 10 cancellations at Paris Orly, demonstrating ongoing disruption potential.”
- Confirm alternative transport options: “Eurostar trains continue normal operations during French strikes as they are not operated by SNCF, making them reliable for UK-France travel. Flixbus and Blablacar are seeing high demand from travellers seeking alternatives to struck transport. Book backup options early during strike periods.”
- Review insurance limitations: “Air France travel insurance explicitly does not cover flight cancellations by the carrier, including during strikes. Standard travel insurance typically excludes airline-initiated cancellations. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, you choose re-routing or refunds for cancelled flights, though ATC strikes are extraordinary circumstances that don’t qualify for cash compensation.”
- Stay informed about October changes: “The major SNCTA air traffic controllers’ strike is now scheduled for October 7-10, 2025, which could cause more severe disruption than the September actions. Monitor airline notifications and consider adjusting October travel plans accordingly.”
Wedderburn-Day further explains, “The postponement creates uncertainty for travellers, so it’s best to plan ahead. Start by monitoring airline communications daily and booking flexible tickets whenever possible. If rebooking is required, storing luggage near airports helps you move quickly between terminals.
Download airline apps for real-time updates, and identify backup departure airports within driving distance. Keep essential items in your hand luggage, and consider travel insurance that covers strike-related disruptions for future bookings.
Note that, under EU passenger rights legislation, travellers with cancelled flights are entitled to re-routing on the earliest available service, including with other airlines, as well as hotel accommodation and meals if stranded overnight.”