Air traffic control strikes in France have caused disruption for a second day prompting Ryanair to demand the European Commission acts to outlaw such industrial action.
Air authorities in France have demanded 20% of services from Paris Orly be cancelled while 135 flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle have not taken off.
The dispute is causing widespread disruption across Europe with even the AC Milan football team delayed from leaving Italy yesterday ahead of its Champions League game with Barcelona tonight.
Ryanair was forced to cancel 134 flights yesterday and 450 delayed affecting the travel plans of 88,000 people.
It hit out at the French Air Traffic Controllers for repeatedly blackmailing Europe’s air passengers during the busy summer period.
It said it wanted the European Commission to treat the air traffic controllers like the military or police in many European countries, who are not allowed to strike, something also done in the US.
The latest strike comes as fears of extensive industrial action across Europe threatens the summer getaway for millions of holidaymakers.
In Spain BA sister carrier Iberia was reported to be suing pilots’ union Sepla to prevent 30 days of strikes over the launch of budget airline Iberia Express.
The situation has prompted warnings that consumers should look to insure themselves against the possibility of being caught up in delays caused by strikes.
EssentialTravel.co.uk head of sales Stuart Bensusan warned consumers to check travel insurance terms and conditions.
“Cover does exist for holiday abandonment, missed departure and travel delay as a result of the strike action,” he said.
“However, only customers who book their insurance prior to the announcement of the dates will be covered fully, as per their terms and conditions.
“Anyone purchasing travel insurance after the strike dates are announced will be fully covered under medical and baggage but are unlikely to be covered for travel delay, travel abandonment and missed departure due to strike action, although we advise checking individual policy wording.”
He added: “Those who have already purchased travel insurance should check the terms and conditions of their policy in order to understand properly what they are and aren’t covered for, and we urge those that haven’t yet booked insurance to do so before more potential strike dates are announced this summer to ensure cover.”