THOUSANDS of passengers remain stranded after low-cost airlines Ryanair and easyJet cancelled hundreds of flights due to French air traffic control strikes.
Ryanair said it was forced to make 170 cancellations on Thursday and Friday as the strikes affect flights to and from France – and also flights over the country to destinations such as the UK, Greece, Spain and Ireland – impacting more than 30,000 passengers.
Luton-based rival easyJet said it had cancelled 124 flights today and was scrapping 150 tomorrow due to the industrial action.
EasyJet said customers have been contacted directly and have the option to transfer to another flight for free or receive a refund, but advised all passengers to check the status of their flights in case of further disruption over the weekend.
“While this is outside of our control, we will do all we can to minimise the impact of the strike action,” easyJet said.
Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary renewed calls on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take “urgent action” to reform European Union air traffic control (ATC) services in light of the disruption, which comes at the start of the European summer holidays.
O’Leary said: “Once again, European families are held to ransom by French air traffic controllers going on strike.
“It is not acceptable that overflights over French airspace en route to their destination are being cancelled/delayed as a result of yet another French ATC strike.
“It makes no sense and is abundantly unfair on EU passengers and families going on holidays.”
EasyJet echoed the plea, asking for “long-term solutions”.
What are your rights at work if you’ve had a cancelled flight?
According to an employment lawyer James Watkins at Howells Solicitors, it’s up to your manager and your employer on whether extra days can be taken from your annual leave allowance at short notice.
Your employer shouldn’t have to pay for you for an additional day, or days, if you find yourself needing extra time off work.
"You could ask your employee if you’re able to take this extra time as annual leave, although if you don’t have any leave remaining, it may be counted as unpaid leave, if the manager agrees to this over the other options.
He adds: "Another choice that you may have, depending on business opening hours, is making up the lost time on weekends and evenings. Doing this would mean that you’d not lose an additional day of annual leave, or take any unpaid leave.
"If you have your laptop with you on your holiday, then your employer may also allow you to work abroad. Most hotels and cafes have strong Wi-Fi connections, meaning you might be able to continue working with a change of scenery.
"If you don’t have your laptop with you, would you still be able to take client and internal calls from your phone? Again, this could be an option as long as your employer says that it’s ok.”
What are the exceptions?
Watkins said: “If you’re on a business trip, and you’re abroad because your employer has sent you, then you should legally be paid for the days that you’re missing at home, whether you’re working or not. The employer should also pay for you for any costs that you may occur, including food, drink and hotel expenses.”
