If you’re planning a getaway to Spain, France, or Portugal this October, you may want to brace yourself — serious travel disruption is on the horizon. The French air traffic controllers’ union has announced a four-day strike, and the effects are expected to ripple far beyond France, impacting thousands of flights across Europe.
Here’s everything you need to know about the strike, who will be affected, and what steps travellers can take to avoid chaos during their autumn holidays.
What’s Happening?
The Syndicat national des contrôleurs du trafic aérien (SNCTA), France’s largest union representing air traffic controllers, has confirmed plans to walk out from the morning of October 7 until the night of October 10, 2025.
The reason? A pay dispute. Union leaders claim that salaries have not kept pace with inflation, leaving controllers frustrated and ready to take action. As a result, French airspace — one of the busiest in the world — is about to face major disruption.
Why It Matters for Travellers
While the strike is taking place in France, the impact will be felt across Europe. Thousands of flights pass through French airspace every day — not just those landing or departing from French airports.
That means travellers flying from the UK to Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, or even North Africa could see their journeys delayed, rerouted, or cancelled altogether.
Airlines will need to plan around restricted airspace, longer flight paths, and congested routes. For passengers, this could mean longer travel times, last-minute cancellations, or unexpected layovers.
The Numbers Behind the Disruption
To put things into perspective:
- A similar strike in July 2025 led to the cancellation of more than 1,500 flights.
- Over one million passengers were affected.
- Airlines collectively lost around €120 million (£103 million) due to grounded flights and missed connections.
Given that the October strike is expected to last four full days, travel experts warn that the impact this time could be even greater.
A Pattern of Turbulence
This isn’t the first time French air traffic controllers have taken industrial action. The SNCTA has staged multiple strikes over the past few years, usually citing concerns over pay, staffing levels, and working conditions.
A walkout originally planned for September 18, 2025, was postponed after the collapse of Prime Minister François Bayrou’s government. Now that political uncertainty has settled slightly, the union appears ready to make its demands known — at the worst possible time for autumn travellers.
Airlines Brace for the Impact
Airlines are already preparing for a rough week. Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-cost carrier, has issued a strong warning to passengers, urging them to check flight updates regularly and remain flexible with their travel plans.
Ryanair has also renewed calls for the European Commission to implement protective measures for overflights during air traffic control strikes — something that Spain, Italy, and Greece already have in place.
These measures would allow flights that merely pass through affected airspace (but don’t land in France) to continue operating, reducing the scale of disruption. So far, however, the EU has not taken concrete action.
Industry Reaction
Not everyone is sympathetic to the strike.
Pascal de Izaguirre, president of France’s aviation lobby group, condemned the move, calling it “incomprehensible.” He pointed out that a new three-year pay and conditions agreement had been signed less than a year ago.
“Launching a strike of this scale so soon after a new deal was signed shows a lack of responsibility,” he said, warning that the upcoming disruption “could be even more significant than in July.”
Meanwhile, internal divisions are emerging among French unions.
The UNSA-ICNA, another major union representing air traffic workers, has refused to join the strike. In a public statement, it accused SNCTA of “zigzagging” on its commitments and undermining the credibility of the air traffic control movement.
“Controllers don’t need contradictory promises; they need a coherent, strong strategy,” the UNSA-ICNA statement read.
This internal rift could affect how widespread the strike ultimately becomes, but experts say even partial participation will be enough to cause major European flight chaos.
How Travellers Will Be Affected
Here’s how the strike could impact your travel plans between October 7 and October 10, 2025:
- Flight cancellations: Airlines may pre-emptively cancel flights to avoid last-minute chaos.
- Delays: Expect longer flight times or rescheduled departures due to restricted airspace.
- Overflights affected: Even if you’re not flying to or from France, your flight could pass through French skies — and be delayed.
- Airport congestion: With thousands of travellers stranded or rerouted, airports in Spain, Portugal, and Italy could see major crowding.
- Alternative transport demand: Train and coach tickets may sell out quickly as travellers look for backup options.
If you have flights booked during this period, it’s best to start preparing now.
What You Can Do to Minimize the Impact
Travel experts are urging passengers to plan ahead and stay informed. Here’s how you can protect your trip:
1. Check Your Flight Status Regularly
Most airlines will update passengers by email or app notifications. Download your airline’s mobile app for real-time updates on your flight status, gate changes, or cancellations.
2. Arrive Early at the Airport
Even if your flight is on schedule, staff shortages and re-routing could lead to longer check-in and security lines. Aim to arrive at least three hours before departure for international flights.
3. Have a Backup Plan
If you’re travelling between nearby countries — such as France, Spain, and Portugal — consider rail or bus alternatives. High-speed train services like Renfe-SNCF and Eurostar may face high demand, so book early.
4. Stay Flexible
If possible, avoid travelling between October 7 and 10. Many airlines allow free date changes during strike periods. Rebooking to earlier or later dates could save you the headache of last-minute chaos.
5. Keep Travel Insurance Handy
Make sure your travel insurance policy covers delays and cancellations caused by strikes. Some basic policies exclude industrial action, so check the fine print before you travel.
6. Follow Official Airline and Airport Channels
Keep an eye on official Twitter (X) feeds, websites, and airport announcements. Misinformation tends to spread quickly during strikes — so rely on verified sources only.
Economic and Tourism Fallout
The French tourism industry could face a significant blow from this latest strike. Each day of airspace disruption costs millions in lost ticket sales, hotel bookings, and tourism revenue.
Spain and Portugal — two of Europe’s most popular autumn destinations — may also feel the pinch as delayed or cancelled flights discourage last-minute travellers.
Analysts estimate that the European aviation industry loses up to €100 million per day during large-scale air traffic control strikes. If this four-day walkout goes ahead as planned, losses could exceed €400 million (£345 million).
Will This Strike Be Called Off?
At this stage, negotiations between the SNCTA and the French government appear tense but ongoing. Officials at the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) have not ruled out the possibility of a last-minute compromise.
However, insiders say the union is determined to make a strong statement before the government presents its 2026 budget plan — meaning a cancellation of the strike is unlikely unless significant concessions are made soon.
Final Thoughts: Stay Alert and Stay Flexible
The upcoming French air traffic control strike is a reminder that even the best-planned holidays can hit unexpected turbulence. Whether you’re off to Barcelona’s beaches, Lisbon’s old town, or Paris’s cafés, keeping informed will be key to avoiding chaos.
For now, the best advice for anyone flying between October 7 and 10 is simple:
- Stay in touch with your airline.
- Be flexible with your travel dates.
- Have a backup plan ready — just in case.
While strikes are a common part of European labour disputes, this one could be the biggest travel disruption of the season. With millions of passengers expected to be affected, preparation and patience will go a long way toward saving your autumn getaway.
