Etihad Airways confirms its flights to and from Paris remain on schedule despite a major air traffic controller strike in France that forced other airlines, like Ryanair, to cancel flights. The airline advises passengers to check flight status online as the situation evolves during Europe's busy summer holiday season.
Abu Dhabi / Paris – Etihad Airways has confirmed that its flights are running normally despite a planned air traffic controller strike in France that is affecting many other airlines and travellers.
The French civil aviation authority, DGAC, announced on Wednesday that it had asked several airlines to cut the number of flights at Paris airports by 40 per cent on Thursday, July 4. This move was made to prepare for expected disruptions caused by the planned nationwide strike by air traffic controllers, which is set to continue into Friday.
The strike, organised by unions over pay and changes to the air traffic control system, is happening at the very start of Europe’s busy summer holiday season. The timing means that many travellers heading out for vacations could face delays or cancellations.
One of the airlines most affected so far has been Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair, which announced that it had to cancel 170 flights scheduled for Thursday. Other airlines have also warned passengers to expect changes, including possible delays and disruptions to connecting flights.
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In contrast, Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline based in Abu Dhabi, says that for now, its flights to and from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport are running on schedule.
A spokesperson for Etihad Airways said: “We are aware of the potential flight disruptions due to planned industrial action at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. Etihad Airways is closely monitoring the situation. Etihad Airways flights to and from Paris are currently operating as scheduled.”
The airline has advised passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. Passengers can visit etihad.com/flightstatus for the most up-to-date information on flights. The airline added that if there are any changes, these would be communicated directly to customers through its website and other official channels.
Etihad also thanked passengers for their understanding and patience in case of last-minute changes that may occur due to factors outside the airline’s control.
The planned strike comes at a difficult time for airlines across Europe. Summer holidays are one of the busiest times for travel, and any disruption can quickly lead to crowded airports and long delays.
In its announcement, the French civil aviation agency DGAC explained that the reduction in flights was necessary to avoid major congestion and manage air traffic safely during the strike period.
Last year, a similar situation took place when unions called for strikes in April after talks about salary increases and updates to France’s air traffic control system broke down. Those strikes led to flight cancellations, long queues, and frustration for travellers.
Air traffic controllers in France play a vital role in guiding not just domestic flights but also many flights crossing French airspace on their way to other destinations. This means strikes in France can often affect flights between other European countries as well.
Travel experts are reminding passengers flying to or from France this week – or flying over French airspace – to check flight information regularly. It is recommended to:
While Etihad Airways is not currently affected, the airline said it remains ready to adjust its plans if the situation changes. The airline added it would keep communicating with passengers to minimise any inconvenience.
The situation remains dynamic, and as the strike continues, there may still be unexpected changes. Travellers are advised to stay informed until the strike action ends and normal operations resume at Paris airports.
As of now, however, Etihad passengers can travel with confidence knowing that their flights between Abu Dhabi and Paris are still running as planned.
