A French Air Traffic control strike disrupts 300,000 passengers’ summer travel by grounding more than 1,500 flights

A strike by French Air Traffic controllers has resulted in the cancellation of more than 1,500 flights, impacting about 300,000 passengers.

Nearly 300,000 people’ vacation plans throughout Europe have been badly disrupted by the cancellation of over 1,500 flights on July 3 and 4 due to a strike by French air traffic controllers.

Airlines and passengers alike are furious over the walkout, which takes place during the Grand Départ, one of the busiest times of the summer for travel in Europe.

“Airlines for Europe (A4E), a prominent industry lobby group, strongly condemns the French air traffic control (ATC) strike taking place today and tomorrow,” the group said in a statement issued on Thursday opposing the industrial action. Due to French air traffic controllers walking out during the Grand Départ, one of the busiest times for summer travel, tens of thousands of travelers in France and throughout Europe have had their summer vacations grounded.

Because French airspace is a vital transit route for aircraft around the continent, the strike has impacted aviation travel not only within France but also in neighboring nations.

In order to keep similar strikes from crippling Europe’s aviation system, particularly during the busiest travel seasons, A4E demanded immediate action. There is currently no word on when the disagreement will be settled or how long the disruptions might last.