Flight disruptions expected in Europe

28 January 2014

Issued: 28 January 2014A strike by Europe's air traffic controllers that could affect passengers across 28 countries has been planned for Wednesday, January 29. Whether the industrial action will actually go ahead remains to be seen, as German controllers yesterday withdrew their strike call following an injunction from Lufthansa. 
The pan-European strike has been called by the Air Traffic Controllers European Unions Coordination (ATCEUC), which represents 14 000 flight controllers in 28 European countries. The ATCEUC is protesting against the EU’s plans to liberalise and deregulate European airspace, which the ATCEUC says could endanger the safe provision of services.
ATCEUC had originally planned to strike in autumn last year but agreed to negotiations in a bid to resolve the issues without industrial action. Negotiations seem to have failed, however, and ATCEUC said in a statement: “Although ATCEUC has repeatedly shown its commitment to a real discussion, the EC has continuously disregarded our opinion. This forces ATCEUC, once again, to stand firm by resuming ATCEUC Action Day! On January 29, ATCOs around Europe will demonstrate their disappointment regarding EC’s method.” 
According to strike.skynetblogs.be, the following strikes can be expected: ItalyJan 29: Union has called a strike from 1200-1600 UTC.Jan 30: Union has called a strike from 1400-1415 UTC.FranceCancellation of French strike between January 27 and 31, but participating in the action on January 30. Times of action to be defined.PortugalPortuguese ATCO Union has called for a strike on January 29 between 0700 and 0900, and 1400 and 1600 UTC.On January 30, AIS/COM and maintenance staff may participate in an industrial action. Some disruption on those services may occur between 1300 and 1500 UTC.SlovakiaATCO Union has announced participation in the strike on January 30 for two hours between 0800 and 1000 UTC. Czech RepublicATCO Union has announced support for the strike on January 30 between 0600 and 1800 UTC with work-to-rule actions. HungaryBased on the preliminary discussion with ATCO Union, support for the action has been announced on January 30 for two hours between 0800 and 1000 UTC. AustriaATCO Union has announced participation in the action day on January 30 for two hours between 0800 and 1000 UTC. CyprusATCO Union has announced support for the strike on January 29 for four hours, between 1300 and 1700 UTC with work-to-rule actions. MaltaMalta Air Traffic Controllers Association has announced support for the strike on January 29 between 0500 and 1700 UTC with work-to-rule actions. 
As the strike action is subject to change and cancellation, passengers are advised to always check with the airlines.