Travellers returning from Easter breaks face the prospect of major flight disruption due to a strike by French air traffic controllers.
The two-day walk-out is planned from tomorrow (Wednesday) with easyJet warning of a “significant impact” to flights.
The industrial action is being planned by France’s largest by French air traffic control services union SNCTA on Wednesday and the country’s transport workers on Thursday.
As many as half of all flights to and from France could be cancelled while those to other European destinations face the prospect of delays as aircraft are re-routed.
Eurocontrol warned of a 40% reduction in flights from main airports such as Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Nice, Marseilles and Toulouse, on Wednesday and a 50% reduction the following day.
The action arises amid claims that “traffic overload” may be affecting controllers’ ability to handle flights safely, The Times reported.
EasyJet said: “Like all airlines flying to and from France, we expect significant impact to our flights during this period, including cancellations.
“We are doing everything possible to minimise the impact to our customers and are working through our plans which we will communicate as soon as we can.
“If we are forced to cancel any flights, our customers will be informed by SMS and email, with up to date information on the situation available on easyJet.com.”
The budget carrier expects to have more information after 3pm today (Tuesday).
Other carriers, including British Airways, are to review the situation today after an update from the French air traffic control service.
Air France, which is based at Charles de Gaulle, is likely to be hardest hit.