Ryanair Flights Cancelled Due to French Strike: How UK Trips to Spain and Greece Are Affected

Thousands of UK holidaymakers faced unexpected cancellations this week as Ryanair grounded flights due to a French air traffic control strike. While the walkout originated in France, its impact extended beyond French borders, disrupting summer travel plans across Europe.

French Air Traffic Control Strike Causes Major Flight Cancellations Across Europe

The two-day strike, held on 3 and 4 July 2025, was organised by French air traffic control unions UNSA-ICNA and USAC-CGT. Their demands include improved staffing, upgraded systems, and safer working conditions.

In response, France's civil aviation authority (DGAC) ordered airlines to reduce flight schedules by up to 50% at key airports, including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and several southern airports.

Although the strike was limited to French workers, its effects were felt throughout Europe due to the large volume of flights that passed through French airspace.

Why Ryanair Cancelled UK Flights to Spain and Greece During the French Strike

Many Ryanair flights departing from the UK to destinations such as Spain and Greece typically fly over French territory. As a result, even flights not scheduled to land in France were affected.

The closure of French airspace led to dozens of overflights being grounded. Routes such as Manchester to Malaga or London to Athens had to be cancelled or rerouted, resulting in delays and changes for UK passengers.

Ryanair and EasyJet Flights Cancelled: How the French Strike Disrupted UK Travel

Ryanair cancelled 170 flights, affecting over 30,000 passengers. Many of these flights were simply passing through French airspace and had no direct connection to France. EasyJet also cancelled more than 270 flights, impacting an estimated 60,000 travellers.

Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, commented on the action and called for intervention from the European Commission. He stated that the majority of passengers affected were travelling between other European countries, not to or from France.

Ryanair Requests EU Action Over French Air Traffic Strikes and Overflight Cancellations

O'Leary has asked the EU to introduce changes such as enforcing minimum staffing levels for air traffic control during peak travel times and protecting overflights from being disrupted by national strikes.

Ryanair has submitted its complaints to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

What Ryanair Passengers Need to Know About Cancelled Flights and Travel Rights

According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), passengers affected by cancellations are entitled to either a full refund or a rebooking on an alternative flight under UK261 and EU261 regulations. However, compensation is not always guaranteed when the disruption is caused by events considered outside the airline's control, such as air traffic control strikes, which are generally classified as extraordinary circumstances.

The CAA advises passengers to check flight status directly with their airline, such as Ryanair or EasyJet, and to keep their contact details up to date. Travellers who incur additional expenses during delays or cancellations should retain all receipts and may request reimbursement for reasonable costs, though this is subject to airline policy.

For full guidance on flight delays and cancellations, passengers can visit the official CAA website: Delays and cancellations – CAA

What the French ATC Strike Means for Future UK and Ryanair Flights

This week's strike demonstrates that flights may be cancelled due to events in other countries, even if they are not scheduled to land there. As the summer holiday season continues, there are ongoing discussions about air traffic management in the EU.

UK passengers heading to Spain, Greece, or other European destinations are advised to monitor updates closely and consider flexible booking options.