September 24, 2010 - Nine employee unions representing French air traffic controllers continue to be on strike after the unions called for a one day strike (September 23) across the country in protest over the countries pension reform. France’s civil aviation authority has asked all French air carriers to reduce their flights from 40 to 50 percent.   

France’s striking air traffic controllers will begin their strike at 5 PM and it will end at 5 AM local time Friday. The strike action is expected to have a major impact on flight travel in and out of French air space.  As France is centrally located in Europe, this will affect flights not only to and from France, but also those operating through or near French airspace.  

Air France has reported it will continue to operate all of its long-haul flights. However the airline will reduce its short-haul travel. Ryanair has cancelled a number of flights crossing French airspace. 

This strike is not just about air traffic controllers, it is about all workers in the country of France. Hundreds of unions are protesting reforms that would raise the country’s state pension age for all workers in France from 60 to 62 by 2018.