Ryanair Slams EU Leadership as French ATC Strikes Cancel 400 Flights, Disrupt 70,000 Passengers
Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, has sharply criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following two days of French air traffic control (ATC) strikes (3–4 July), which forced the airline to cancel over 400 flights, affecting more than 70,000 passengers.
In a strongly worded statement, Ryanair called for von der Leyen to step down if she continues to ignore the long-standing need for reform of Europe’s ATC system, which the airline described as “failed” and “uncompetitive.” The latest strike action by French ATC staff, who claim to protest understaffing, was branded by Ryanair as yet another example of “recreational strikes” that cripple European air travel every summer.
Ryanair noted that the majority of its cancelled flights were overflights—services that simply pass through French airspace without landing—which the airline argues should be protected during national strikes. Despite repeated calls from airlines, the European Commission has made no progress in safeguarding these flights or implementing reforms to ensure ATC staffing levels are maintained during peak periods.
“The Commission has failed to act for six years,” said Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary. “Every summer, our passengers are held hostage by a small group of French ATC staff who strike at will. Meanwhile, the European Commission stands idly by, allowing the Single Market for air travel to be torn apart.”
O’Leary condemned the French government’s policy of applying minimum service rules only to domestic flights while disproportionately cancelling international overflights. “Europe would never allow roads or railways to be shut down so easily,” he added, “so why do we tolerate it in our skies?”
Referring to the 2023 Draghi Report, which emphasized the need to put competitiveness at the heart of Europe’s economic agenda, Ryanair reiterated its two key reform demands:
- Ensure full staffing of ATC services for early morning departures.
- Protect overflights from cancellation during national strikes.
O’Leary concluded: “Ursula von der Leyen claims to champion European competitiveness, but her inaction on ATC reform tells a different story. If she can’t protect Europe’s skies and its citizens’ travel plans, then she should step aside for someone who will.”
Ryanair and other European carriers continue to urge the European Commission to take immediate steps to safeguard cross-border air travel and restore confidence in Europe’s airspace management.