French Air Traffic Strikes in September: What Alicante Airport Passengers Should Expect
Tuesday, September 9th, 2025
A Difficult Start to September for Air Travellers
September 2025 is bringing more than just the start of a new school term in France. Two separate days of industrial action are planned, with the potential to cause major disruption for European passengers. Travellers using Alicante Airport could be affected even if their flight does not land in France, as French airspace is central to many European routes.
The first stoppage takes place on 10th September, when several French airports will be hit by strikes. A second and more widespread walkout follows on 18th–19th September, this time led by France’s powerful air traffic controllers’ union. Together, these actions risk flight cancellations, delays and rerouted journeys across the continent.
10 September: Airport Strikes in France
On Wednesday, 10th September, staff at airports including Marseille-Provence, Nice, Bastia, Ajaccio and Calvi will stop work between 18:00 and midnight. The DGAC (France’s Civil Aviation Authority) has already asked airlines to cut flight schedules by up to 50% at Nice and the Corsican airports. Disruption is also expected at Marseille.
But this action is not confined to the south. Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly are also expected to experience significant disruption, with hundreds of flights at risk. Based on previous strikes, around a quarter of flights in Paris could be cancelled. In July, almost 1,000 flights were scrapped in just one day of strike action, leaving 125,000 passengers stranded.
For Alicante passengers, the impact could be indirect but still substantial. Flights from Spain to the UK, Germany or Italy that cross French airspace may be rerouted or delayed. Some international services could be cancelled altogether if capacity is reduced at Paris and regional airports.
The 10th September strike is being driven by unions such as SUD Aérien and CGT Air France, who are protesting against government austerity measures under Prime Minister François Bayrou. These include scrapping public holidays, freezing pensions, and cutting public services – all of which unions argue are eroding workers’ rights and incomes.
18–19 September: Air Traffic Control Strike
The second and more serious stoppage begins on the morning of Thursday, 18th September and runs until the end of Friday, 19th September. This action has been called by the SNCTA, the majority union for air traffic controllers, which represents around 60% of the workforce.
Controllers are demanding wage increases to match inflation and criticise what they describe as a “failure of social dialogue” with the authorities. Additional unions – including Force Ouvrière Air France and CFDT Air France – have also joined the mobilisation.
When controllers strike, the number of flights allowed into French skies is drastically reduced. Because so many flights between Spain, northern Europe and the UK must pass through French airspace, this action is likely to have widespread consequences for Alicante passengers. Delays, cancellations and longer flight times should all be expected.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot has rejected the unions’ demands, describing the strike as “ill-timed” and stressing that July’s walkouts had already cost airlines millions and affected half a million passengers. The SNCTA, however, insists it is ready to resume dialogue if negotiations are taken seriously.
Why Are These Strikes Happening Now?
French aviation unions argue that austerity measures, rising inflation and poor management are combining to make working conditions intolerable. Controllers, who according to a Senate report earn on average €96,000 gross per year, say their purchasing power has been eroded, while ground and airline staff warn of chronic understaffing and outdated systems.
The government, meanwhile, is under pressure to cut spending and modernise services. These conflicting goals have set the stage for repeated industrial disputes, with September’s strikes just the latest example of deep-rooted tensions in French aviation.
What This Means for Alicante Airport Travellers
- 10 September – Expect disruption at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, Marseille, Nice and several Corsican airports. Around a quarter of flights in Paris could be cancelled. Alicante passengers on connecting routes may face missed connections or longer travel times.
- 18–19 September – Air traffic controllers’ strike will affect all flights crossing French airspace. Alicante services to the UK, Germany, Italy and beyond could face widespread delays and cancellations.
How to Prepare
- Keep up to date with your airline’s latest announcements.
- Register for text or app notifications for real-time flight updates.
- Build in extra time for connections if travelling beyond Alicante.
- Consider flexible booking options in case your flight is altered or cancelled.