- Flight Disruptions
- France ATC strike on 9–10 Feb causes cancellations and delays
France ATC strike on 9–10 Feb causes cancellations and delays
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By Matteo Floris
Last updated on 11 February 2026
180
Affected flights
2
Affected airports
4
Affected airlines
What Happened
France’s three main air traffic controller unions launched a 48‑hour strike on 9–10 February, prompting about 180 flight cancellations and widespread delays. DGAC asked airlines to cut schedules by up to 50% at Paris‑Orly and 30% at Marseille‑Provence. Average delays reached roughly one hour at Orly and up to two hours at Marseille. Domestic and intra‑European services by Air France, British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair saw cancellations, with some passengers rerouted via rail or other hubs. A potential follow‑up strike was signaled for the Easter period.
Flight Disruption Details
France experienced extensive flight disruption on 9–10 February as the country’s three principal air traffic controller unions (SNCTA, UNSA‑ICNA and USAC‑CGT) carried out a 48‑hour strike over staffing and retirement‑replacement concerns. In anticipation, the French civil aviation authority (DGAC) asked airlines to trim schedules by up to 50 percent at Paris‑Orly and 30 percent at Marseille‑Provence. Despite these measures, the walk‑out resulted in approximately 180 flight cancellations and rolling delays at multiple airports.
Operational impact varied by location. At Paris‑Orly, average delays were around one hour. At Marseille‑Provence, some flights faced delays of up to two hours as supervisory personnel were reassigned to support radar functions. Additional disruption was reported at airports including Toulouse, Bordeaux and Nice. Long‑haul departures from Paris‑Charles‑de‑Gaulle were largely maintained, though several domestic and intra‑European services were canceled.
Affected airlines included Air France, British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair, with some passengers rerouted by rail or via alternative airport hubs. The unions linked their action to insufficient one‑for‑one replacement of retiring controllers, citing concerns about safety and workloads ahead of the Easter and summer travel peaks. DGAC stated its replacement practices align with European traffic forecasts and upcoming automation plans slated for 2027.
The disruption highlights France’s pivotal role in the region’s aviation network, handling about 65 percent of Europe‑bound over‑flights. Travelers were advised that EU Regulation 261 compensation does not apply to air‑traffic‑management strikes, though standard care and assistance obligations remain. Looking ahead, the unions filed a seven‑day notice signaling the possibility of a follow‑up strike during the Easter holiday period if talks do not progress, indicating ongoing uncertainty in French airspace in the coming quarter.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Other strike
Status
Past disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected
180
Airlines affected
Air France, British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair
Airports affected
Paris-Orly, Marseille-Provence
Start date
2026-02-09
End date
2026-02-10
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
11 February 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Collect proof that your flight was canceled, e.g. boarding pass, vouchers and any other travel documents.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the cancellation and reasons behind it.
Request an alternate flight to your destination - or a refund.
Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.
Ask the airline to pay for your meals and refreshments.
Don't sign anything or accept any offers that may waive your rights.
Get the airline to provide you with a hotel room, if needed.
Keep your receipts if your canceled flight ends up costing you extra money.
