Ryanair Holdings PLC (LSE:RYA) has laid into the European Union after announcing a host of flight cancellations on Monday due to the latest strikes by French air traffic controllers.
Explaining it had been forced to cancel flights in a statement, Ryanair argued the effects of strikes had become “unfair” due to the lack of overarching minimum service laws in Europe.
“Ryanair calls on the EU [...] to take urgent action to protect overflights and EU citizens’ freedom of movement during air traffic control strikes,” the Irish airline said.
Some 86 Ryanair flights were cancelled on Monday morning, as per tracking website FlightAware, while over 100 others faced delays.
According to Ryanair, the 65 days of air traffic control-related strikes in 2023 marks a 13-fold increase in the number of industrial action days seen last year.
Monday’s strike by French workers relates to new laws requiring management to be informed of strike action at least 48 hours in advance.
Airlines have been hit by costs of flight cancellations out of their control on several occasions this year, including in August when UK air traffic restrictions were temporarily put in place due to a system shutdown.
Ryanair shares slipped 0.8 % to €17.34.