Ryanair boss warns French strikes will cause summer travel ‘mess’
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has warned that potential French air traffic control strikes in May or June could cause major summer travel disruptions in Europe, with staff shortages and flight delays expected.
Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has warned that French air traffic control strikes could cause major disruption to European travel this summer.
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Speaking at the airline’s third-quarter briefing on January 21, Mr O’Leary said he expects French air traffic controllers to begin industrial action in May or June, leading to staff shortages and flight delays. He claimed weekend walkouts during peak season could again create what he described as “mythical capacity restrictions”.
French air traffic control strikes last July caused widespread disruption, with Ryanair cancelling around 170 flights and affecting more than 30,000 passengers. Unions cited understaffing, pay disputes and worsening working conditions.
According to Eurocontrol, French air traffic control accounted for 31% of all ATC-related delays across Europe during summer 2025. Because many European routes pass through French airspace, disruption can affect flights across the continent, including UK services.
Mr O’Leary urged the EU to take stronger action to ensure adequate staffing during peak travel periods.