Etihad Airways Operations Unaffected by France Air Traffic Controller Strike

Key Takeaways

• Etihad Airways flights between UAE and France operate normally during July 3-4, 2025 France ATC strike.
• Strike demands include better conditions, more staff, and equipment modernization, causing 40% flight cuts at Paris airports.
• DGAC prioritizes long-haul flights like Etihad’s, while short-haul European airlines face many cancellations and delays.

Etihad Airways Flights Remain Unaffected Amid France Air Traffic Controller Strike: What Passengers Need to Know

Etihad Airways flights between the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and France 🇫🇷 are operating as scheduled, even as a major air traffic controller (ATC) strike disrupts travel across France and much of Western Europe. The strike, which began on July 3, 2025, and is set to last through July 4, has led to hundreds of flight cancellations and delays for many airlines. However, as of the latest updates, Etihad Airways has not cancelled or delayed any flights to or from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. The airline is closely monitoring the situation and advising passengers to check their flight status before traveling.

This news comes as a relief to travelers, especially during the busy summer holiday season when many people fly between the UAE and France for vacations, business, or to visit family. Below, we break down what’s happening, why Etihad Airways is not affected, and what passengers should do to stay informed.

Understanding the France Air Traffic Controller Strike

The France air traffic controller strike is a large-scale industrial action called by two major unions: UNSA-ICNA and USAC-CGT. These unions represent a significant portion of France’s air traffic controllers. The strike began on July 3, 2025, and is scheduled to last for two days, affecting air travel during one of the busiest times of the year.

The main reasons for the strike include:

• Demands for better working conditions
• Requests for more staff
• Calls for modernization of equipment

The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) responded by ordering airlines to reduce flights at Paris airports by 40% on July 4. Other major airports, such as Marseille, Lyon, and Nice, have also been told to cut flights by 25–50%. This has led to hundreds of flight cancellations, with major European airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, Air France, and British Airways reporting significant disruptions.

Impact on Airlines and Passengers

The strike’s impact has been widespread:

• On July 3 alone, 463 inbound and 455 outbound flights were cancelled, representing about 22% of all flights in France that day.
• Ryanair cancelled 170 flights, and easyJet cancelled 274 flights over the two-day period.
• Many short-haul and intra-European flights have been affected, causing problems for travelers across Europe.

Despite these disruptions, Etihad Airways flights between the UAE and France are operating as scheduled. This is because the DGAC’s flight reduction orders have mainly targeted short-haul and intra-European flights, while long-haul and intercontinental flights, especially those from non-European carriers, are often protected to maintain essential international connections.

Why Etihad Airways Flights Are Not Affected

Etihad Airways has confirmed that its flights to and from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport are running as planned. There are several reasons for this:

• Flight Slot Protection: The DGAC has not targeted Etihad’s specific flight slots for cancellation or delay. This means Etihad’s scheduled flights can continue to operate.
• Priority for Long-Haul Flights: During ATC strikes, French authorities often prioritize long-haul and intercontinental flights, especially those operated by non-European airlines. This helps minimize global disruption and keeps important international routes open.
• Focus on Short-Haul Reductions: The majority of flight reductions have affected short-haul and regional flights within Europe, not long-haul flights like those between the UAE and France.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, this approach helps maintain essential links between France and countries outside Europe, reducing the wider impact of the strike.

What Etihad Airways Is Saying

Etihad Airways has issued a statement to reassure passengers:

“Etihad Airways flights to and from Paris are currently operating as scheduled. Etihad Airways is closely monitoring the situation.”

The airline is advising all passengers to check the latest flight status at etihad.com/flightstatus before traveling, as the situation could change quickly if the strike escalates or if new orders are issued by the DGAC.

Practical Advice for Etihad Airways Passengers

If you are flying with Etihad Airways between the UAE and France during the strike period, here’s what you should do:

• Check Your Flight Status: Always check your flight’s status before heading to the airport. Use the official Etihad Airways flight status page for real-time updates.
• Arrive Early: Give yourself extra time at the airport in case of longer lines or unexpected changes.
• Monitor Communications: Watch for emails, SMS messages, or app notifications from Etihad Airways about any changes to your flight.
• Know Your Rights: If your flight is disrupted, Etihad’s standard rebooking and refund policies will apply. Contact Etihad customer service or your travel agent for help.
• Stay Flexible: The situation is fluid, and further changes could happen if the strike continues or expands.

For direct assistance, Etihad Airways customer service in the UAE can be reached at +971 600 555 666.

How the Strike Is Affecting Other Airlines

While Etihad Airways flights are running as scheduled, many other airlines have not been as lucky. The strike has caused major disruptions for European carriers, including:

• Ryanair: Cancelled 170 flights over the two-day period. CEO Michael O’Leary criticized the strike, saying it was “holding European families to ransom” and called for changes to protect flights that only pass over France.
• easyJet: Cancelled 274 flights, affecting thousands of passengers.
• Air France and British Airways: Both reported significant delays and cancellations, especially on short-haul routes.

The French Civil Aviation Authority’s decision to cut flights at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and other major airports has hit regional and business aviation especially hard. Smaller airports in southern France have also seen many cancellations.

Industry Reactions and Calls for Reform

The strike has sparked strong reactions from airlines, industry groups, and government officials:

• French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot called the unions’ demands “unacceptable” and criticized the timing of the strike at the start of the holiday season.
• Airlines for Europe (A4E), a group representing major airlines like Ryanair, Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways, and easyJet, described the strike as “intolerable” and urged the European Union to reform air traffic control rules.
• Aviation experts point out that France’s central location in European airspace means strikes there can cause delays and cancellations far beyond French borders.

There are growing calls for EU-wide reforms, including:

• Mandatory overflight protection: Ensuring that flights passing over France are not disrupted during national strikes.
• Minimum staffing requirements: Making sure enough air traffic controllers are working to keep essential flights running.

These changes would help protect international travelers and reduce the impact of future strikes.

What Happens Next? The Future Outlook

The situation remains uncertain. While Etihad Airways flights are currently unaffected, things could change if:

• The strike continues or escalates
• The DGAC issues new flight reduction orders
• Unions call for more industrial action later in the summer

Unions have not ruled out further strikes if their demands are not met, raising the possibility of more disruptions during the busy travel season.

Travelers should stay alert for updates and be ready to adjust their plans if needed.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

For the latest information and official updates, passengers can use these resources:

• Etihad Airways Flight Status: etihad.com/flightstatus
• Etihad Airways Customer Service (UAE): +971 600 555 666
• French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC): dgac.fr
• Airlines for Europe (A4E): a4e.eu

These sources provide real-time updates, official statements, and guidance for affected travelers.

How the Strike Affects Immigration and International Travel

For many travelers, especially those visiting France 🇫🇷 for work, study, or family reasons, flight disruptions can have serious consequences. Missed connections, delayed arrivals, and last-minute changes can affect visa appointments, work start dates, and family reunions.

Key points for international travelers:

• Visa Appointments: If you have a visa appointment at a French consulate or embassy, allow extra time for travel in case of delays. Contact the consulate if your flight is cancelled or delayed to reschedule your appointment.
• Work and Study: If you are starting a job or study program in France, inform your employer or school about possible travel delays. Keep all documentation of your original travel plans and any changes.
• Family Visits: If you are visiting family, keep them updated about your travel status and possible changes.

It’s important to keep all travel documents, tickets, and communications from airlines in case you need to explain delays to immigration or border officials.

Tips for Managing Travel During Strikes

Traveling during an air traffic controller strike can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to reduce problems:

• Book Direct Flights: If possible, book direct flights to avoid missed connections.
• Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance that covers flight cancellations and delays.
• Stay Informed: Use airline apps, websites, and official government sources for updates.
• Have a Backup Plan: Know your options for rebooking or refunds if your flight is affected.
• Be Patient: Strikes can cause long lines and delays at airports. Stay calm and ask airline staff for help if needed.

For more information about your rights as an air passenger in the European Union, you can visit the official EU passenger rights page.

Summary Table: Etihad Airways and July 2025 France ATC Strike

What Should Passengers Do Now?

If you are flying with Etihad Airways between the UAE and France during the strike, here’s what you should do:

1. Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
2. Arrive early and be prepared for possible delays at check-in or security.
3. Monitor your email and phone for updates from Etihad Airways.
4. Contact customer service if you have questions or need to change your booking.
5. Keep all travel documents and proof of any changes or disruptions.

If your flight is cancelled or delayed, Etihad Airways will help you with rebooking or refunds according to their standard policies.

Broader Implications for the Aviation Industry

The July 2025 France air traffic controller strike highlights ongoing challenges in the aviation industry:

• Labor disputes can quickly disrupt travel for thousands of people.
• International flights are often protected, but regional and short-haul travelers face the most problems.
• Calls for reform are growing, with airlines and industry groups pushing for changes to protect travelers and keep essential flights running during strikes.

As the summer travel season continues, all eyes will be on France 🇫🇷 and the outcome of negotiations between unions, airlines, and government officials.

Final Takeaway

Etihad Airways flights between the UAE and France are currently unaffected by the July 2025 French air traffic controller strike. Passengers should continue to check for updates, stay in touch with the airline, and be ready for possible changes as the situation develops.

For the most up-to-date information, always use official sources like Etihad Airways’ flight status page and the French Civil Aviation Authority.

Staying informed and prepared will help you manage your travel plans and reduce stress during this period of uncertainty.

Learn Today

Air Traffic Controller (ATC) → Professionals managing aircraft movements to ensure safe and efficient airspace operations.
Flight Slot → A scheduled time window allocated to an airline for takeoff or landing at an airport.
DGAC → French Civil Aviation Authority responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation safety and operations.
Long-Haul Flight → An extended-distance flight typically lasting several hours, connecting continents or far-apart countries.
Strike → An organized work stoppage by employees to demand better working conditions or rights.

This Article in a Nutshell

During the July 2025 France air traffic controller strike, Etihad Airways flights remain unaffected, maintaining essential UAE-France connections amid widespread European cancellations and delays.
— By VisaVerge.com