Airport blockades expected today
Industrial action planned for November 5-8 has been called off, but flights today might still be disrupted and access to airports blocked.
FRENCH airline pilots and cabin crew have called off plans to go on strike for four days from tomorrow - but some disruption to flights is possible today because of a separate walkout.
The SNPL pilots' union had planned to walk out from November 5-8 to protest against a new law which would have forced airline workers to pay income tax and social charges on various benefits-in-kind, such as discount plane tickets, car rental and hotel stays.
Another union, the SNPNC, which represents cabin crew staff, has also suspended its strike plans.
The SNPL said in a statement that the government had "admitted that the wording of the article exceeded its initial objective".
An amendment to the law has been accepted by the Senate's social affairs committee and will be discussed in parliament next week.
There is still a risk of disruption to flights today (Thursday) as unions representing airport and airline workers are planning another day of action to protest against pension reforms.
Unions are planning to block the access to airports this morning. Queues are likely outside Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon airports from about 10.00.
A similar blockade was planned from 5.00 at Toulouse-Blagnac airport; however, all of this morning's flights have taken off so far, albeit some with minor delays.
Air France-KLM said that it did not think that any flights would have to be cancelled, but last-minute delays and changes are possible and passengers should arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
The French civil aviation body DGAC says air traffic controllers are not involved in the strike and planes should take off and land normally.
Easyjet was among the first airlines to warn passengers of possible disruption this week.
A spokeswoman for the airline told The Connexion: "The level of participation appears to be low and disruption is likely to be minimal.
"Nevertheless, easyJet advices its passengers to check their flight status on the web to avoid any inconvenience should the situation evolves."
