Ryanair has called on French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot to reform France’s air traffic control (ATC) system, blaming it for more than eight million passenger delays so far in 2025 due to repeated mismanagement, staff shortages and strike action.
The Irish low-cost carrier said over 45,000 of its flights have affected between January 1 and August 18, 2025, with delays peaking during the summer travel season.
More than 1.5 million passengers were impacted between July 21 and August 20 alone, the airline said in a statement.
Ryanair criticised what it described as “recreational” strikes by French ATC staff and said 90% of recent delays could have been avoided if two reforms were implemented. The airline has called for the safeguarding of overflight rights during national strikes and the assurance of full staffing for early morning departure
Ryanair has launched a public campaign urging passengers to contact the French transport ministry through its “Air Traffic Control Ruined Your Flight” website and demand immediate action.
French air traffic controllers have staged multiple strikes in recent years over pension reforms, working conditions, and staffing levels. Airlines operating in European airspace, particularly overflights that do not land in France, are frequently impacted by the resulting disruption.