French air strike causes chaos for UK airlines

UK airlines have been forced cancel flights due to an air traffic controllers' strike in France.

The industrial action,which will last until the end of Sunday, has led to budget carriers Ryanair and easyJet axing more than 50 services tomorrow.

British Airways has also cancelled three flights tomorrow, from Heathrow to the French cities of Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse.

None of the 20-plus services axed by Ryanair or the 32 by easyJet are flights that connect with the UK, and easyJet, which had feared it would have to axe around 50% of its French-connecting services, was told today by French air traffic control company DAGC that only 20% would have to be cancelled.

The airline said some UK-originating flights might be affected, while Ryanair also warned passengers that the strike could affect flights overflying France, adding: "We expect further flight delays and cancellations."

EasyJet said: "We are disappointed at this unnecessary strike action which has the potential to cause considerable disruption and cancellations for passengers and airlines across Europe.

"Despite the fact that this disruption is beyond easyJet's control we will do everything possible to minimise the inconvenience to our customers. We will proactively provide advice for our passengers through our website, text messages and flight tracker tool."

BA said: "Due to industrial action by air traffic controllers in France we have been forced to cancel a small number of flights on Tuesday and are expecting knock-on delays to some other short-haul services.

"We will look to use larger aircraft where we can to help affected customers on cancelled flights so they can rebook free of charge to alternative flights.

"We would urge customers to keep checking our website during the week for the very latest information about their specific flights.

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