Strikes by airline staff or air traffic controllers (ATC) in France, Germany and Italy have become a regular feature of European travel β a single strike day can cancel hundreds of flights across the continent. Knowing the difference between the two types of strike matters, because it determines whether you're owed financial compensation or not.
βοΈ Two kinds of strike β and a big difference in compensation
- A strike by the airline's own staff (pilots, cabin crew, check-in agents) counts as within the airline's control under EU261, so a delay of 3+ hours or a cancellation entitles you to compensation of up to β¬600
- A strike by air traffic controllers or airport security staff counts as an "extraordinary circumstance," since it's outside the airline's control β no financial compensation applies here
π« What you're still owed either way
- Free rebooking on the next available flight, or a full refund β regardless of the strike type
- Meals and drinks if the delay stretches on for several hours
- Hotel accommodation and transfers if you need to stay overnight near the airport
- More detail in the flight cancellation guide
π How to find out if a strike is coming
- Check the airline's website for notices a few days before your flight β strikes are usually announced in advance
- Use flight tracking apps to watch your flight's status in real time
- French airspace is one of the most frequently affected zones in Europe during spring and summer
If your flight crosses French airspace β even just in transit β a strike there can delay you, even if neither your departure nor arrival country is directly affected.
𧳠How to plan a trip around strike risk
- Book a fare with flexible change terms if a strike has already been announced
- Avoid tight connections β see the minimum connection time guide
- Get travel insurance that covers extra costs caused by delays
Speed matters most during a strike β the faster you reach the airline for a rebooking, the better your odds of a seat on the next flight. For more on delay compensation, see the flight delay compensation guide. Search flights and compare alternate routes on Travel365's price calendar.
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