Key Takeaways
• French ATC strike causes 40% flight cuts at Paris airports, disrupting UK flights since July 8, 2025.
• British Airways and easyJet cancelled 64 UK short-haul flights; Ryanair cancelled 170 flights due to strikes.
• Passengers may claim up to £520 compensation for delays over three hours caused by airline issues.
As of July 8, 2025, travelers using major UK airports—especially those flying with British Airways and easyJet—are facing widespread flight cancellations and delays. The disruptions are hitting London, Manchester, and Stansted airports the hardest, with ripple effects across the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and Europe. The main cause is a large-scale French air traffic control (ATC) strike, but airline-specific problems and airport capacity issues are making things worse. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s happening, why it matters, and what affected passengers can do right now.
What’s Happening: The Latest on UK Flight Cancellations
In early July 2025, British Airways and easyJet grounded 64 short-haul flights at major UK airports, including London, Manchester, and Stansted. This move followed a series of cancellations by easyJet (274 flights) and Ryanair (170 flights) across Europe. The situation is changing daily, but the impact on travelers is clear: many people are seeing their plans upended, with little warning.
The cancellations are not limited to flights going to or from France. Because French airspace is a key route for many UK–Europe and transcontinental flights, the strike is causing delays and cancellations even for flights that only pass over France. As a result, airports in London, Manchester, and Stansted are experiencing major disruptions, affecting both domestic and international travelers.
Why Are Flights Being Cancelled? Main Causes Explained
1. French Air Traffic Control Strike
The most immediate and serious reason for the current wave of cancellations is the French ATC strike. French air traffic controllers are protesting over staffing shortages and outdated equipment. French authorities have ordered airlines to cut up to 40% of flights at Paris airports on strike days. This has a domino effect, causing delays and cancellations throughout Europe, including the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.
Because so many flights between the UK and Europe use French airspace, even flights that don’t land in France are affected. For example, a flight from London to Spain or Italy often passes over France. When French controllers go on strike, these flights may be delayed, rerouted, or cancelled altogether.
2. Airline Operational Problems
British Airways is dealing with its own set of challenges. The airline has had to reduce the number of flights it operates, especially long-haul flights, because of ongoing problems with aircraft availability. This means fewer planes are available to cover scheduled routes, leading to more cancellations.
easyJet is also facing operational hurdles. The airline is still feeling the effects of closing some of its bases, such as at Stansted, and is struggling with congestion in European airspace. These issues make it harder for easyJet to recover quickly when something goes wrong.
3. Airport Capacity Issues
London, Manchester, and Stansted airports are all running close to their maximum capacity. This means there’s little room to add extra flights or quickly reschedule cancelled ones. When a major disruption hits, these airports can’t recover as quickly as some larger European hubs that have more runways and greater flexibility.
Recent Cancellations: The Numbers
Here’s a look at some of the most recent cancellations affecting British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair:
- July 8, 2025: British Airways and easyJet cancelled 64 short-haul flights at major UK airports.
- July 3, 2025: easyJet cancelled 274 flights across Europe; Ryanair cancelled 170 flights.
- Late June–Early July 2025: British Airways cancelled several flights to and from London Heathrow, including routes from Brussels, Doha, and Riyadh, as well as other European and UK destinations.
These numbers show just how widespread the problem is, with hundreds of flights affected in a matter of days.
Who Is Affected?
The disruptions are hitting a wide range of people:
- Leisure travelers: Families and tourists heading out for summer holidays are facing last-minute cancellations and long delays.
- Business travelers: Missed meetings and events are causing headaches for companies and professionals.
- Students and migrants: Those traveling for study, work, or immigration appointments are at risk of missing important deadlines.
- Airline staff: Flight crews and ground staff are under pressure to manage frustrated passengers and reschedule flights.
What Are Airlines and Authorities Saying?
Airlines
Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, has been especially vocal. He’s called the French ATC strikes “recreational” and is demanding that the European Union step in to protect flights that only pass over France, not just those landing there. British Airways’ parent company, IAG, is trying to reduce the impact by using larger planes on the flights that are still running, so more passengers can travel.
French Authorities
French officials have ordered big cuts in flight schedules at Paris airports but have not given any sign that the labor dispute will end soon. This means the disruptions could continue for weeks or even months.
Travel Industry Experts
Analysts warn that UK airports, especially London, Manchester, and Stansted, are more vulnerable to these kinds of problems because they don’t have much spare capacity. When something goes wrong, it takes longer to get back to normal.
Passenger Advocacy Groups
Groups that speak up for travelers are stressing the need for clear communication from airlines and strong compensation rules to protect passengers’ rights.
What Does This Mean for Passengers? Rights and Remedies
If your flight with British Airways, easyJet, or another airline is cancelled or delayed, you have certain rights under UK and EU law. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Compensation and Refunds
- Compensation: If your flight is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours, and the airline is responsible (not due to extraordinary events like weather), you may be entitled to up to £520 in compensation.
- Refunds: If your flight is cancelled, you can ask for a full refund or choose to rebook on another flight (if available).
- Alternative Transport: If you still need to reach your destination, you can ask the airline to arrange alternative transport.
2. How to Make a Claim
- Check your flight status using the airline’s website or app. Both British Airways and easyJet have real-time updates.
- If your flight is cancelled, use the airline’s “Manage My Booking” section to request a refund, rebook, or see your options.
- For compensation, you can use online claim calculators or contact the airline directly. Keep records of your booking, cancellation notice, and any expenses you incur.
- Stay informed by updating your contact details in your booking profile so the airline can reach you quickly.
For more information on your rights as an air passenger, you can visit the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s official page.
3. Contact Information
- British Airways: britishairways.com
- easyJet: easyjet.com
Step-by-Step Guidance for Affected Travelers
If you’re caught up in the current wave of cancellations, here’s what to do:
- Check your flight status as soon as possible. Use the airline’s website or app for the latest updates.
- If your flight is cancelled:
- Rebook for a later date if possible.
- Request a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
- Ask about alternative transport options.
- If your flight is delayed by more than three hours: Check if you qualify for compensation.
- Keep all receipts for extra expenses (like meals or hotels) in case you need to claim them back.
- Contact the airline using the details provided above if you need help or have questions.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Economic Impact
The disruptions at London, Manchester, and Stansted are not just an inconvenience for travelers. They also hurt the UK economy. Business trips are being cancelled, tourists are missing out on holidays, and airlines are losing money. The knock-on effects can be felt in hotels, restaurants, and other parts of the travel industry.
Immigration and Study Plans
For people traveling for work, study, or immigration reasons, these disruptions can be especially stressful. Missing a visa appointment, a job interview, or the start of a university course can have serious consequences. It’s important for these travelers to keep all documentation and communicate with the relevant authorities if their plans are affected.
Calls for Reform
The current crisis has led to renewed calls for the European Union to change the rules around air traffic control strikes. Many believe that flights simply passing over a country should not be affected by national strikes. Airlines and passenger groups are pushing for reforms to protect travelers in the future.
Historical Context: Why Are Strikes So Common?
French air traffic control strikes have been a regular problem for European aviation for years. The issues often come down to disputes over pay, staffing, and investment in new equipment. In 2025, the strikes have become more frequent and disruptive because the underlying problems have not been fixed.
UK airports, especially London, Manchester, and Stansted, are particularly vulnerable because they are already operating near full capacity. When a major disruption hits, there’s little room to add extra flights or quickly reschedule those that are cancelled.
What’s Next? The Future Outlook
There is no sign that the French ATC dispute will be resolved soon. This means travelers should expect more cancellations and delays throughout the summer of 2025. Airlines and airports are under pressure to find ways to minimize the impact, but with limited capacity and ongoing labor disputes, the situation is likely to remain challenging.
Stansted is planning to upgrade its terminal and decommission its airside transit system in 2026, which may affect ground operations in the future. However, this is not directly related to the current wave of flight disruptions.
Practical Tips for Travelers
If you’re planning to fly with British Airways, easyJet, or any other airline from London, Manchester, or Stansted in the coming weeks, here are some practical steps to protect yourself:
- Book direct flights where possible to reduce the risk of missed connections.
- Allow extra time for your journey in case of delays.
- Keep your contact details up to date with the airline so you receive notifications quickly.
- Know your rights regarding refunds and compensation.
- Check official sources like the airline’s website and the UK Civil Aviation Authority for the latest information.
Resources for Further Help
- British Airways Travel News: For live updates and official advisories.
- easyJet Flight Tracker: For real-time status and rebooking options.
- UK Civil Aviation Authority: For passenger rights and complaint procedures.
- Flight Compensation Services: For help with claims if you run into problems.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing disruptions highlight the need for better coordination between airlines, airports, and air traffic control authorities. The current situation is a reminder of how closely linked the European aviation system is, and how problems in one country can quickly spread across the continent.
Conclusion: Stay Prepared and Informed
The current wave of flight cancellations and delays is causing real problems for travelers using British Airways, easyJet, and other airlines at London, Manchester, and Stansted. The main cause is the French air traffic control strike, but airline and airport capacity issues are making things worse.
If you’re planning to travel soon, check your flight status regularly, know your rights, and be ready for last-minute changes. Keep all your travel documents and receipts, and don’t hesitate to contact your airline if you need help. The situation is changing quickly, so staying informed is the best way to protect your plans.
For the most up-to-date information on your rights and the latest travel advisories, visit the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s official page.
By following these steps and staying alert, you can reduce the impact of these disruptions and make the best of a difficult situation.
Learn Today
French ATC strike → A labor protest by French air traffic controllers reducing flights by up to 40% at Paris airports.
Flight cancellations → Instances where scheduled flights are cancelled due to strikes, operational problems, or capacity constraints.
Compensation → Monetary payment passengers may receive if their flight is cancelled or delayed over three hours.
Airport capacity → The maximum number of flights and passengers an airport can handle efficiently at one time.
Rebooking → Changing a passenger’s flight to a later date or different route after cancellation or delay.
This Article in a Nutshell
Since July 8, 2025, French air traffic control strikes have severely disrupted British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair flights at UK airports, causing cancellations, delays, and widespread travel chaos across London, Manchester, and Stansted.
— By VisaVerge.com
