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Ghostly emptiness at Nice Airport: the controllers had previously announced the strike
Photo:
SEBASTIEN NOGIER v EPA
A strike by air traffic controllers severely disrupted air traffic in France on Friday.
The aviation authority said that numerous failures and delays are to be expected.
About 1000 flights should be canceled, mainly domestic flights and flights to the French overseas territories.
Air France had canceled half of the planned 800 flights in advance, especially on short and medium-haul routes.
Affected passengers could have the money refunded or rebook without additional fees, Air France said.
The low-cost airline Ryanair canceled a total of 420 flights, EasyJet spoke of 76 canceled flights.
An air traffic controllers' union had called the strike to back demands for higher salaries and the hiring of more skilled workers.
The aviation authority recommended passengers to postpone flights.
Passengers forewarned
Meanwhile, there was no chaotic situation at the airports.
"Everything is very quiet because the passengers were warned and did not come to the airports," said a spokesman for the Paris airport operator Groupe ADP.
Large airports in neighboring countries also felt the effects.
Spanish airport operator AENA said the strike had forced it to cancel 65 flights.
Sol/Reuters/AFP
