Pilots call off four-day strike
Air travel disruption avoided for next weekend - but Air France hit by separate strike by minority unions starting today
AIRLINE pilots in France have called off a planned strike for next weekend that would have severely disrupted holiday travel plans.
The biggest French pilots' union, SNPL, had been planning a four-day protest from next Friday, August 5, but has now reached a deal in its dispute over pensions.
It is the second strike in the travel industry to have been avoided this week. A four-day walkout by Air France flight attendants was due to start today but has also been abandoned.
The cancelled strikes should mean there will be minimal disruption to flights in France this weekend and next - typically the busiest period of the year for air travel.
However, there might still be minor delays to Air France flights because of a separate strike by three minority pilots' unions, which runs from today until August 1.
Air France has not cancelled any flights yet, but has advised passengers to check before they travel and be prepared for last-minute changes, depending on the turnout.
There is also an ongoing work-to-rule by Air France ground staff - mostly technicians - which could cause problems at Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Toulouse airports.
