More Than Half of Air France’s Flights Cancelled Due to Strike
Joe Cortez September 17, 2014
An ongoing Air France pilots’ strike has resulted in the cancellation of more than half of the carrier’s flights.
Thousands of Air France flyers have been stuck in transit this week as a result of a pilots’ strike, which began on Monday and has forced the French flag carrier to cancel more than 60 percent of its flights. The strike, called by pilots’ union Syndicat National des Pilotes de Ligne (SNPL), is expected to continue through September 22.
According to France 24, the strike revolves around the Air France cost-cutting plan that would transfer intra-Europe operations to low-cost subsidiary Transavia Airlines. Striking employees are concerned that the changes could ultimately result in lower salaries and longer hours.
“We’re continuing to negotiate,” Air France CEO Frederic Gagey told Europe 1 radio, as quoted by Reuters. “We have made proposals, we have heard the concerns of pilots who imagined that Transavia France could suddenly replace all of Air France across France.”
In a press release, Air France claimed to have sent over 900,000 text messages to customers traveling during the strike, alerting them to potential flight cancellations and the addition of staff members to help those stranded. The airline has offered a number of options to those affected by the cancellations, including free itinerary changes and ticket refunds in certain situations.
A reported 60 percent of Air France’s pilots are participating in the strike, and SNPL has not indicated an early end to the disruptions. On Tuesday, Air France estimated that at least 40 percent of its flights would operate on Wednesday. Cancellation estimates are being released every 24 hours. France 24 reported that the strike could cost Air France nearly $20 million daily, depending on the number of pilots that walk out.
Air France recommends that all flyers check for cancellations ahead of their scheduled departure. Flyers can also contact Air France via phone, through social media, or by reaching out to their travel agents with additional questions.
[Photo: iStock]
