LAST UPDATE | 23 Jun 2018

File photo of a Ryanair plane. Niall Carson / PA Wire/PA Images Niall Carson / PA Wire/PA Images / PA Wire/PA Images

DOZENS OF FLIGHTS have been cancelled this weekend due to an air traffic controller strike in France.

Airlines have also warned that additional flights will be delayed as a result of the situation.

Ryanair has cancelled up to 100 of its European flights. In a statement, the airline said:

All affected customers have been contacted by email and text message and advised of their options: a full refund, rebooking on to the next available flight or transferring to an alternative flight.

“As a result of this unjustified strike action, we also expect delays to flights to/from/over France and we advise customers due to travel on Saturday & Sunday to check the status of their flight on the Ryanair.com website.”

‘Immediate action’ 

The airlined called for “immediate EU Commission action to prevent more ATC strikes and staff shortages disrupting the travel plans of Europe’s consumers this summer”.

Aer Lingus has also warned passengers about flight disruptions this weekend.

“Guests planning to travel this weekend are advised to check the status of their flight before departing for the airport,” the company said in a statement.

If your flight has been cancelled, the airline said you can opt to:

• Be accommodated on the next available flight
• Rebook their flight free of charge
• Cancel and apply for a refund

Passengers who are concerned about the status of their flight should contact the airline in question.

Rights 

The Commission for Aviation Regulation has issued advice for affected passengers.

In the event that your flight is cancelled, your air carrier must offer you the choice between the following:

• rerouting as soon as possible
• rerouting at a later date at your convenience
• a refund

If you choose the first option (re-routing as soon as possible), then your air carrier must provide you with care and assistance while you wait for the alternative flight. Care and assistance comprises:

• meals and refreshments (as is reasonable depending on the waiting time)
• hotel accommodation where an overnight stay becomes necessary
• transport between the hotel accommodation and the airport
• two free telephone calls/access to email

If your flight is subject to a long delay (two hours or more), your air carrier must provide you with the care and assistance described above. In addition, if your flight is delayed by more than five hours, it must offer you the choice between:

• continuing with your journey
• a refund of the cost of your ticket

It is not possible for passengers to travel and avail of the full refund.

If your air carrier does not provide the care and assistance described above, passengers should make their own reasonable arrangements and retain all receipts in the process. Passengers are advised to then submit copies of these receipts to their air carrier for reimbursement.