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Air Travel Strikes in France 2026 – Air France, French Air Controllers Strikes & Airport Disruptions
17/06/2026Latest news on Air France strikes, French air traffic controllers strikes, and air travel disruptions in France 2026 – plus insider tips to navigate them. Last update: 17 June
Planning a trip to France by air? Here’s everything you need to know about upcoming air travel strikes and disruptions in France in 2026, along with practical tips on how to handle them.
Air travel disruptions in France can take several forms: an Air France strike directly affecting the airline’s (or shared code) flights, a French air traffic controllers strike affecting all flights through French airspace, or a French airport strike. Each type has different consequences for travelers and different solutions.
As a French local who flies regularly, I’ve navigated more than my fair share of air travel disruptions – and survived them all! Keep reading for real-time updates and my best tips on what to do if your flight to or from France is affected.
For SNCF train strikes, see the France train strikes guide →
GOOD TO KNOW: Air France shares the Flying Blue loyalty program with Dutch KLM, with many flights in shared code. Also, Air France is a member of SkyTeam, alongside other prominent airlines, including Korean Air, Aeromexico, KLM, and Delta.
Content of this Article
Air France flights are directly affected by Air France strikes. Additionally, other strikes in France could also cause disruptions on Air France flights and flights by any other airline:
- Is There any Air Travel Strike in France Right Now?
- Air France Strike Dates 2026 & Other French Airlines Strikes
- French Air Traffic Control Strike Dates 2026
- French Airports Strike Dates 2026
- What to Do if Your Flight to/from France is Affected
This article does not cover information about KLM strikes, Transavia strikes, other French air travel strike dates, or strikes by airlines operating on a share code with Air France.
1. Is There any Air Travel Strike in France Right Now?

The air travel strike dates listed in this article are officially confirmed. There are no rumors or guesswork here.
This page is updated within 24-48 hours of any new air travel strike notice in France, so don’t worry: you are in good hands.
Unfortunately, some strike dates are only confirmed 24 hours before negotiations with the French State break down. On the other hand, unions may also call off strikes at the last minute if an agreement is reached. Because of this uncertainty, it’s essential to check for updates on any air travel strikes in France right up until the last minute.
Scheduled Air Travel Strikes in France
18 June 2026: Strike at Paris Airports. Head to chapter #4 for the details.
Last update: 17 June 2026
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2. Air France Strike Dates 2026 & Other French Airlines Strikes

3This section covers Air France strikes, including ground staff strikes, as well as strikes affecting other French airlines.
» Air France Strike Dates 2026 and Disruptions:
Travelers should note that Air France strikes can sometimes affect flights to and from France operated by partner airlines under codeshare agreements, even when those flights are not operated directly by Air France.
No strikes to report at this time.
Expected Disruptions
Air France’s website usually doesn’t display information about social movements until the very last moment. However, passengers impacted by flight delays or cancellations are usually notified in advance by email or SMS. Otherwise, check the Aéroports de Paris website and use the search engine to find your flight.
If your flight to or from France is impacted, check out what to do in Chapter #5
» Other French Airlines Strike Dates 2026 and Disruptions:
Nothing to report at this time.
Expected Disruptions
Passengers impacted by flight delays or cancellations are usually notified by the airline in advance by email or SMS. Otherwise, check the Aéroports de Paris website and use the search engine to find your flight.
If your flight to or from France is impacted, check out what to do in Chapter #5
3. French Air Traffic Control Strike Dates 2026

This chapter is about air traffic control strikes in French airports. A French air traffic control strike is the worst kind of transportation strike in France. A kind reminder: the last air traffic controller strikes in France, in July 2025, affected over 1 million passengers, with approximately 200,000 unable to fly due to cancellations.
Please note that French air traffic control strikes can also impact flights that fly through French airspace, even if they are not departing from or arriving in France. Due to a limited number of air traffic controllers, the reduced capacity may lead to delays or rerouting for any flight crossing French airspace.
Nothing French air traffic control strike to report at this time.
Disruptions Expected: French Air Traffic Control Strike
If your flight to or from France is impacted by a French air traffic control strike, check out what to do in Chapter #5
4. French Airports Strike Dates 2026

This section covers any strikes by ground services at French airports that could affect your flight to or from France, regardless of whether you are flying with a French airline. Typical strike actions included in this section involve border police staff, baggage handling services, ground crews, and other airport employees.
» French Airports Strike Dates 2026:
18 June 2026: The joint union of employees at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport – CGT, la CFDT, l’Unsa and Sud Aérien – is calling a strike at the three Paris airports (Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle, Orly, and Le Bourget) to protest tougher security clearance rules, which threaten their access badges. The impact is expected to be greater at Roissy–Charles de Gaulle Airport (where the strike action originated), with possible disruptions at Orly Airport and occasional effects at Le Bourget Airport (business aviation).
Information about this airport strike will be published soon. Keep checking back for the latest updates!
If you’re affected by an airport strike in France, it’s best to check the airport’s official website for updates (for example, how early to arrive before departure). Online check-in will also ease the process, especially if you travel with hand luggage only.
What Could Be Disrupted on June 18
- Security screening and passenger checkpoints: Longer waiting times and the possible closure of certain screening points.
- Baggage handling and ground services: Delays during boarding and disembarkation, slower baggage delivery, and delayed luggage.
- Flight punctuality: Knock-on delays and targeted cancellations depending on airline schedules and operational requirements.
I’ll update this list with the information provided by the airports (when available).
Update 17 June 2026: I am not seeing any reports of cancellations or disruptions, nor any indication that the strike has been called off. At this stage, there is no new information.
That said, I recommend arriving at the airport well in advance of your flight. Check in online before leaving home or your hotel and, if possible, travel with hand luggage only.
If your flight to or from France is impacted by a French airport strike, check out what to do in Chapter #5
5. What to Do if Your Flight to/from France is Affected

You have not booked your flight tickets yet
1. Be flexible with your travel dates and avoid taking a flight during a strike by French air controllers.
If the strike is by Air France, simply book your flight tickets with another flight company to avoid delays or cancellations.
2. Consider Other Options, like traveling by train, bus, or by car (if possible):
- Click here to find cheap train tickets to Paris
- Click here to rent a car with Discover Cars
- Compare bus prices for your destination in France
If this is your first time renting a car in France, check out my best tips for renting a car in France.
You have flight tickets for a day affected by an air travel strike
First of all, don’t panic! Follow these simple steps:
1. Check the status of your flight.
To find out the status of a specific flight, simply enter your flight number (it’s marked on the ticket) in the search bar on the website of your air company, the day before departure or on the day of departure. The system will give you all the useful information about your flight.
2. Exchange /get a full refund /voucher if necessary
Often, if your flight service is cancelled or disrupted by a strike, exchanges and cancellations are possible before the initially scheduled departure, even for non-exchangeable and non-refundable tickets, and are free of charge. You can do this online or at the agency where you made the purchase.
3. Continue with your travel plans despite the strike
If your flight isn’t canceled, an air travel strike in France may cause delays or have no impact at all. In some cases, strikes are canceled at the last minute if unions reach an agreement with management or the French government, depending on the situation. Check back on this article for the latest updates.
Good to Know: European Regulation EC 261 covers delays (three hours or more at the final destination), cancellations, and denied boarding. It applies to:
- Flights departing from Europe, regardless of the airline (including French overseas territories).
- Flights flying into Europe on a European carrier.
Non-EU citizens or business travelers can also apply for flight compensation if they meet one of the two cases above.
Elisa’s Tip: If your flight to or from Paris or France was delayed by 3 hours or more due to a strike in France, I recommend checking your case with Air Help. Air Help is the world’s #1 flight compensation company. Since its founding in 2017, Air Help has helped 16 M+ air passengers receive their compensation – Click here to check if you are eligible for compensation
In addition to flight delays, here’s the list of all the rights of airplane passengers to compensation, as outlined by the European Union. Source: https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/en/travelling-motor-vehicles/air-travel/air-passenger-rights.html
What to Do during French Airport Strikes
In the event of a French Airport strike, flight schedules may be affected depending on the service on strike – airport workers, customs agents, or luggage handlers. Generally, you can expect disruptions or longer delays on all services.
If there is a strike at the French airport of your departure, I recommend arriving at the airport well in advance. Check in online at home or in the hotel, and, if possible, travel only with hand luggage.
