Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has issued an apology to 40,000 passengers who have been affected by flight cancellations due to French air traffic controllers going on strike. O’Leary also criticized French authorities and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen for the disruption caused. He highlighted that flights that pass through French airspace, without departing from or arriving in the country, are being disproportionately affected by the strike action. This has been the 51st day of strike action by French air traffic controllers this year, with protests against plans by President Emmanuel Macron to raise France’s retirement age. Ryanair has previously accused Ms Von Der Leyen and the European Commission of ignoring the issue. They have launched a petition which has been signed by more than 620,000 people, demanding protection for passengers. O’Leary stressed that French airspace should also be protected during strikes, just as overflights in other countries are. Ryanair is contacting passengers who have been affected by cancellations and making every effort to accommodate them. They are sorry for the inconvenience caused to passengers.
