Emirates and Etihad flights cancelled due to French strike

Industrial action by air-traffic controllers means Charles de Gaulle airport is only working at 50 per cent capacity.

A traveller at the Charles de Gaulle international airport’s terminal 2walks in front of a flight information board during yesterday’ sstrike by air traffic controllers. Nearly 40 per cent of flights Show more

DUBAI // Industrial action by French air traffic controllers has led to the cancellation of some Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways flights between the UAE and Paris.

The French Civil Aviation Authority imposed a 50 per cent reduction in flights by international airlines after the SNCTA workers’ union called a two-day strike in a dispute over working conditions.

As a result, two Emirates flights and an Etihad flight were among hundreds of international flights to and from France that were cancelled.

The strike was confirmed for yesterday, resulting in a mandatory 50 per cent operation reduction imposed by French authorities, said Emirates.

The airline confirmed that yesterday’s Flight EK075 from Dubai to Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris and Flight EK076 from Charles de Gaulle airport to Dubai were cancelled.

“This decision was made following the French Civil Aviation Authority imposing a mandatory schedule reduction on all airlines operating into the country,” said Emirates.

All other Emirates flights to and from France yesterday operated as usual, and the carrier said it was confident that full service would resume today. Emirates also flies to Lyon and Nice.

The only Etihad flight affected was EY37 from Abu Dhabi to Charles de Gaulle airport, which was due to fly yesterday but has been rescheduled for 3am today.

“Guests booked on EY37 are being informed of the delay to their flight and will be assisted with their onward travel arrangements,” said Etihad.

“Etihad Airways regrets any inconvenience to its guests as a result of this industrial action.”

The flight reductions were imposed late on Wednesday.

Passengers are advised to check www.emirates.com and www.etihad.com for updates.