Ryanair and easyJet issue delays and cancellations…

Ryanair and easyJet issue delays and cancellations travel warning to France passengers

Airlines Ryanair and easyJet have warned passengers heading to France that they could face major delays and possible cancellations due to strike action. Air traffic control staff are walking out in the country, impacting flights.

The walkouts are part of a wave of industrial action in France with protests breaking over the increase of the pension age from 62 to 64. President Emmanuel Macron narrowly survived a no-confidence vote after he decided to push the change through without a parliamentary vote, The Mirror reports.

EasyJet urged passengers to check their flights regularly until the air traffic control strike ends on March 23. A spokesperson for the airline said: “Air traffic control staff are joining the strike action and therefore like all airlines, our flights to and from French airports, as well as those flying in French airspace, could be affected.

“We expect that there will be delays and some disruption due to the industrial action, therefore we advise all customers to check the status of their flight on our flight tracker either on our mobile app or website. Please also be aware that public transport services may be affected by the strike.

EasyJet urges passengers to check their flights regularly (PA)

“We recommend all customers allow plenty of extra time to get to the airport and consider alternative transport options where possible.”

EasyJet cabin crew in Portugal will be walking out over three days in early April over the cost of living, with a strike over pay and working conditions from April 1 to April 3.

Ryanair has also warned its passengers that there could be cancellations due to the strike action in France. "Any affected passengers will be notified as soon as possible," a spokesperson for the airline said. "We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this French air traffic control strike, which is entirely out of Ryanair’s control."

Protesters attend a demonstration against the government's plan to raise the retirement age to 64, in Paris, France, Wednesday, March 15 (AP)

While tourists are unlikely to face any danger to themselves from the protests, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has warned travellers to France that they may face disruption to services as a result of the strikes.

“On 16 March, large-scale demonstrations started in central Paris and elsewhere in France and police presence increased. Protests could turn violent and/or continue. These could lead to disruptions to road travel,” the government travel advice reads.

“You should monitor the media, check the latest advice with operators before travelling, avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.”