Strike in France on 5 November threatens Algeria flights

A strike across several sectors in France on 5 November could cause delays and cancellations on flights between France and Algeria, according to Algérie 360 and ObservAlgerie.

Algérie 360 reports that the strike is expected to be widely followed in the air sector. Several unions of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) have called on their staff to strike, and ground staff unions have called for action at airports.

Force Ouvrière DGAC filed a strike notice on 29 October, covering DGAC staff from the morning of 5 November. SUD Aérien, another union, had called on 19 October for a strike by all ground staff, including those in handling, security, cleaning and maintenance.

Algérie 360 reports, citing the specialist website Mister Travel, that air traffic staff essential to flights must declare an individual strike at least 48 hours in advance, before noon.

The deadline for air traffic controllers to declare their strike ended at 12:00 on 3 November. According to Mister Travel, this notice gives the DGAC time to measure the strike in each control centre.

Flight cuts and airline announcements

Algérie 360 reports that the DGAC was due to announce the level of cuts to airline schedules on 4 November. The DGAC had not yet published any notice of cuts, according to Algérie 360.

ObservAlgerie's latest check, published on 4 November at 08:20, showed that no cut to schedules had been announced. Air Algérie, Air France and low-cost airlines had not announced any cuts for 5 November, according to information dated 3 November.

Algérie 360 reports that French air traffic controllers were called to join the strike, but their level of participation is still to be confirmed. ObservAlgerie reports that the SNCTA, the majority union of air traffic controllers, is not taking part in the call.

ObservAlgerie reports that the decision on cuts depends on the number of staff at control centres and on any instructions from the DGAC. The strike call does not mean that planes will stay on the ground.

According to ObservAlgerie, the DGAC can ask airlines to reduce their schedules if there are too few controllers to handle traffic normally. The airlines then choose which flights to cancel and tell the passengers concerned.

Algérie 360 advises passengers to expect cancellations and delays on flights between France and Algeria, for safety reasons linked to the strike of air traffic controllers.

Trains and travel to airports

ObservAlgerie reports that strike action can cause delays at check-in and at checks, even if a flight goes ahead. Reaching the airport could also take longer, even when flights run.

The French national railway company (SNCF) expects disruption on some TGV, Intercités and TER trains, and on some trains and RER lines in Île-de-France.

ObservAlgerie advises passengers leaving from Paris or its region to check their route, including connections to Roissy or Orly, before leaving home.

Refunds for cancelled flights

If a flight leaves from France and the airline cancels it, the airline must offer a refund or another flight, ObservAlgerie reports.

Extra compensation depends on the circumstances of the cancellation and is not automatic, ObservAlgerie adds.

Mister Travel invites passengers travelling to or from France on 5 November to follow the alerts of the DGAC and their airline closely, by 4 November.