Situation today (26 October 2026)
- Air traffic controllers: no notice for November 2026 in the sources checked; the SNCTA union had filed two notices for 18-19 and 25 April 2026 (outcome not verified) and suspended one for 7 to 9 October 2025.
- Cabin crew and pilots: a union alliance (UNSA PNC, SNPNC-FO, SNGAF, SNPL, UNAC) gave notice for 17 to 21 October 2026 against the reform of combining work and retirement pay, suspended on 12 October after government commitments; the unions stay vigilant until the decree is published.
- easyJet: pilots of the SNPL union postponed their strike of 1 and 2 October; no new date found. In Portugal, cabin crew plan a second strike from 19 to 23 December 2026.
- Ryanair: no 2026 strike affecting France found.
Calendar
| Date | Event | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| 18-19 and 25 April 2026 | SNCTA notices (air traffic controllers) | Past; outcome not verified |
| 1-2 October 2026 | easyJet pilots' strike in France (SNPL) | Postponed, no new date |
| 12 October 2026 | Suspension of the 17-21 October national notice | No strike planned while the decree is awaited |
| Nov 2026 | Air traffic control, Ryanair or easyJet strike in France | Nothing found on 26 October |
How it works and what to do
- Rules: notice must be filed at least five days ahead and controllers declare themselves individually 48 hours in advance; the DGAC then asks airlines to cut flights, usually the day before.
- Check your flight: status in the airline's app and on the airport website; the airline warns by e-mail or app.
- Stay nearby: after a late cancellation at Roissy-CDG, a nearby hotel is the safest bet; choices and the way in from the centre in From the airport to central Paris.
Your rights under EU261
If your flight is cancelled, EU Regulation 261/2004 always gives you the choice between a refund (within seven days) and rerouting, plus meals, hotel and transfer while you wait. An air traffic controllers' strike is generally an extraordinary circumstance, so no flat-rate compensation. A strike by the airline's own staff does entitle you to compensation (250 euros up to 1,500 km, 400 euros up to 3,500 km, 600 euros beyond) if you were told less than 14 days ahead: EU Court of Justice ruling of 23 March 2021 (C-28/20). Background in Strike on 5 November 2026 in Paris.
Flight cancelled or delayed by a strike: are you owed compensation?
- Who is covered: EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261) applies to flights leaving the EU (any airline) and flights into the EU on an EU airline.
- Amounts: €250 up to 1,500 km, €400 from 1,500 to 3,500 km (or intra-EU flights over 1,500 km), €600 beyond 3,500 km, if the flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure or arrives 3 hours or more late. The amount can be cut by 50% if you are rerouted at times close to the original.
- Strike: the case on this page — It depends on who is on strike. A strike by the airline's own staff (pilots, cabin crew) usually gives a right to compensation (CJEU, TUIfly 2018 and SAS 2021). An air traffic control strike, an airport staff strike or a general strike is usually an extraordinary circumstance: no compensation, but the airline must still offer a refund or rebooking and care (meals, hotel).
- Claim for free: directly with the airline, using the form on its website; keep your boarding pass and all proofs. Deadline depends on the country — France: 5 years.
- Claims service: AirHelp checks your flight for free and handles the claim, taking a commission only if it wins (about 35% of the compensation, VAT included, plus 15% if legal action is needed). You can also claim yourself at no cost.
What to do safely during the airport strike
Here is a plan B to keep your trip going without taking risks.
- Outing that does not depend on the strike: Versailles with transport, organised trip with transport included, no train or bus to book yourself.
- Airport hotel, free cancellation: hotels near Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, refundable if your flight is cancelled or moved.
FAQ
Is there an air traffic control strike in November 2026?
As of 26 October 2026 we found no notice in our sources. A notice must be filed at least five days ahead; the DGAC then announces flight cuts.
Are Ryanair or easyJet striking in France?
For Ryanair we found nothing in 2026. For easyJet, the pilots' strike in France is postponed with no new date, and Portuguese cabin crew plan 19 to 23 December.
Sources checked on 26 October 2026: Ulysse (April 2026), Air Journal (October 2025), Déplacements Pros and Tourmag (suspension of the 17-21 October 2026 notice), iamexpat.nl (27 September 2026). We found no recent statement from the SNCTA or the DGAC. This page will be updated as soon as a notice is filed.
