French strikes: Flights to France delayed or cancelled as air traffic controllers stage walk outs today
AIR passengers travelling to France today are facing delays and cancellations as French air traffic controllers go on strike.
There are also strikes across the country, meaning other modes of transport are also affected.
If you're travelling to France, here's what you need to know.
Which airlines are affected?
As air traffic controllers are joining the strikes today (January 9), all flights in and out of France, as well as over French air space, could be affected.
If you're travelling today, make sure to check the current status of your flight with your airline.
From the UK, easyJet passengers will be among the worst affected.
A spokesperson for the airline told Sun Online Travel: "Like all airlines operating to and from France, and using the French airspace, easyJet is expecting some disruption to its flying programme on this date.
"As a result of Air Traffic Control strike action easyJet has to cancel 20 flights of its French programme, two of which are UK touching. We are also expecting other flights to experience delays."
Passengers have been advised to check easyJet's website on /(your flight number)
British Airways are also affected, with the airline cancelling 12 flights from Heathrow to various French cities.
A spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: "Yet again, French strike action will cause unnecessary frustration and disruption for some of our customers and we are doing everything we can to help mitigate the inconvenience.
"We plan to use larger aircraft, wherever we can, and are offering customers booked to travel on the small number of cancelled services rebooking and refund options."
Similarly, Ryanair have also cancelled a number of flights.
The airline said: "As a result of a national strike in France today Thursday 09th Janaury 2020, which is also affecting French Air Traffic Controllers, we have been forced to cancel a small number of flights.
"All affected customers have already been informed by SMS and email, advising customers of their option of a free move or refund. If you have not received an email or SMS message then your flight will operate as scheduled."
Strikes and protests this weekend
The French ATC had originally planned to strike this Saturday (January 11), but this has now been called off.
However, those visiting France this weekend should be aware that there will be protests across the country.
Can you claim compensation for cancellations due to strike?
If your flight has been cancelled then you will be booked onto an alternative one or given a refund.
If you're offered an alternative flight then you are entitled to free meals and refreshments which are appropriate to the delay.
You should also get free hotel accommodation and transfer if there's an overnight stay.
If you get a refund then you should get the cash within seven days.
Airlines are not usually obligated to offer compensation following a strike because they are considered an "extraordinary circumstance".
Although, it may be worth trying to claim as airlines have a responsibility to ensure your flight arrives on time.
If you booked through a travel company they are also liable to arranging your travel.
You may also be able to claim on your travel insurance - it all depends on when you bought the flight and what type of policy you have.
If the strike had not been called when you booked your flight and your policy covers for strike action then you should be reimbursed for any expenses, such as cancelling your hotel or car hire.
If the strike was already in the offing when you booked your flight then they might argue that you were aware of the potential disruption.
Cancellations on the Eurostar
The Eurostar is still running a reduced service, with cancellations on a number of routes, including to France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
At the moment, cancellations affect trains between today and January 12 - although the company has been running a reduced service since the strikes began last year.
Passengers due to travel on cancelled services will be able to exchange their tickets for another day or get a refund.
The train company said: "You have up to 60 days from the date of your journey to exchange or refund your ticket.
"Exchanges during the strike period are possible, although availability may be limited on some trains. "Should you choose to travel we would ask you to check the likely impact for your journey, including any onward connection, before making your exchange."
Eurostar also warned that for passengers travelling on its special ski services on January 10 and 11, there's an amended timetable.
Latest advice from the Foreign Office:
The FCO warned Brits: "Strike action across France continues.
"On Thursday 9 January and Saturday 11 January there will be a further call by unions for widespread industrial action and demonstrations across France, including to transport.
"If you’re due to travel on these days, check with your travel operator for further information.
"Avoid demonstrations wherever possible and follow the advice of the local authorities."
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What are the strikes about?
The French strikes are over proposed pensions reforms and involve a number of unions across the country.
Not all unions have been striking at the same time, which is why flights have only been cancelled on some days - when the air traffic controllers join the strike days.
Last year, easyJet, Ryanair and British Airways were all forced to cancel flights.