EasyJet and Ryanair have warned of delays and disruption due to a national strike in France from today (Monday).
Ongoing protests across France against the imposition of an increase in the pension age from 62 to 64 are being stepped up with nationwide action until 6am on Thursday.
EasyJet 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.
“We recommend all customers allow plenty of extra time to get to the airport and consider alternative transport options where possible.”
Ryanair said it expected possible cancellations or delays on flights to and from France on March 20-23.
“Any affected passengers will be notified as soon as possible,” the carrier said, adding: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this French air traffic control strike, which is entirely out of Ryanair’s control.”
Eurostar cancelled two London-Paris services on Sunday but said trains would be running as normal today and tomorrow, although disruption to public transport in Lille is expected.
The high speed Channel Tunnel passenger rail service gave no further details about the impact of strike action later in the week.
Meanwhile, EasyJet faces a three-day strike by cabin crew in Portugal in early April over cost of living costs.
Staff are planning to walk out between April 1-3 in a dispute over pay and working conditions.
The Portuguese SNPVAC union of civil aviation flight personnel announced the industrial action on Friday, Reuters reported.
SNPVAC reportedly said in a statement: ”Due to the economic climate, easyJet workers have lost purchasing power over the last three years.
“The increase in the cost of living suffocates workers and jeopardises the well-being and comfort of their families.”
The budget airline, which expects some disruption to their flying programme to and from Lisbon, Porto and Faro during the strike, said it takes its responsibilities as an employer seriously and employs all crew under local contracts, agreed with trade unions.
EasyJet said: “We are disappointed with this action, especially given the significant investment we have made in the country in recent years which has created hundreds of new jobs in Portugal and hope that SNPVAC will resume a constructive dialogue with us.”
The carrier currently has 19 aircraft based in Portugal and has more than 750 employees.