EasyJet Chief Slams "Unacceptable" French Air Traffic Strikes Causing Significant Costs for Airlines

EasyJet's CEO Kenton Jarvis has criticized French air traffic control (ATC) strikes, citing "unacceptable challenges" and "unexpected and significant costs" for airlines. Tens of thousands of passengers were disrupted in July and another strike on Wednesday affected 30,000 Ryanair passengers. Jarvis urged for a resolution to the dispute over working conditions.

The recent French air traffic control (ATC) strikes have caused significant disruptions and financial burdens for airlines, particularly EasyJet. The strikes, which took place in early July and continued into July 2025, have led to thousands of canceled and delayed flights, affecting millions of passengers and causing substantial financial losses for the aviation industry.

EasyJet, one of the affected airlines, reported that it had to cancel 274 flights during the two-day strike, impacting tens of thousands of passengers [2]. The airline's CEO, Kenton Jarvis, criticized the strikes, citing "unacceptable challenges" and "unexpected and significant costs" for airlines. He urged for a resolution to the dispute over working conditions, which has been ongoing for several years [1].

The financial impact of the strikes is substantial. Eurocontrol estimates that the cancellations and delays cost the aviation industry €120 million (£104 million) in lost revenue and additional expenditure on passenger care [1]. The strikes have also led to increased fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, with an additional 3.75 million miles flown and 60,000 tons of CO2 emissions generated [1].

The strikes have highlighted the disproportionate impact that disruptions in one country can have on the European aviation network as a whole. The worst-affected airports were in Spain, with 1,000 flights delayed and a significant increase in cancellations serving Spanish airports [1]. The UK was also significantly impacted, with 401 flights delayed [1].

EasyJet's financial performance for the third quarter will be closely watched by investors, with a focus on any estimation of a financial blow from the disruption. The carrier's package holiday business is expected to be a standout performer, but the impact of the strikes on overall financial results remains to be seen [2].

The ongoing disputes between French air traffic controllers and their union, ICNA, over staff shortages and management practices have led to these strikes. The union has called the strikes "a historic mobilisation" with effects well beyond those predicted [1].

The European Commission has been criticized for not protecting overflights during national ATC strikes. Ryanair's CEO, Michael O’Leary, has called on the Commission to take action to protect overflights and defend Europe’s single market for air travel [1].

The financial impact of these strikes underscores the need for a resolution to the ongoing dispute and the importance of protecting overflights during national ATC strikes. The aviation industry is calling for minimum service provisions that protect overflights, similar to those in Italy and Spain [1].

References:
[1] https://www.the-independent.com/travel/news-and-advice/strikes-french-air-traffic-control-eurocontrol-b2787237.html
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/eastjet-focus-flights-cancelled-due-080035426.html