Air Traffic Strike in France Grounds Hundreds of Flights Across Europe

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Hundreds of flights connecting several European countries and France have been canceled Wednesday due to a strike by air traffic controllers in France, a number of air carriers have confirmed.

On Tuesday, France's largest union of air traffic controllers, SNCTA announced a two-day strike April 8-9 to dispute working conditions and the raising of the age of retirement.

France's largest airline, Air France, reported Wednesday hundreds of canceled short-haul flights but added that long-haul flights were still operating.

"Some flight cancellations to/from France tomorrow due to French ATC strike," Dublin Airport said via Twitter late Tuesday shortly after the strike was announced.

Some flight cancellations to/from France today due to French ATC strike. Passengers advised to check with their airline for latest info.

— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) 8 апреля 2015

Irish carrier Air Lingus said in a written statement it had been notified of France's "industrial action" and also canceled two flights between Paris and Dublin.

Easy Jet, the British low-cost carrier, canceled at least 118 flights among destinations including Portugal and Spain as well as UK airports.

Ryanair, the Irish budget carrier company, confirmed cancellations of flights across Europe on its website.

In a similar action, Germany's flagship airline Lufthansa canceled several flights in mid-March due to pilot strikes over low wages and cuts on retirement benefits.