easyJet suffers from costly French air-traffic control strike

In early July 2025, a two-day strike by French air-traffic controllers significantly impacted airlines operating in and over France, including easyJet, which reported experiencing considerable disruptions. The strike on June 3 and 4 caused the cancellation of dozens of easyJet flights connecting the UK with various destinations in Europe. More than 2,000 flights were grounded or delayed, further complicating travel plans for passengers relying on easyJet's services. Eurocontrol, Europe's aviation coordination organization, estimated that the strike resulted in approximately €120 million in lost revenue across the aviation industry, accounting for direct costs and expenses incurred in caring for affected passengers. Kenton Jarvis, CEO of easyJet, voiced his frustration over these strikes, labeling the challenges created for both passengers and crew as 'unacceptable'. He highlighted the significant financial burden that the unexpected costs of the strikes placed on the airline. The strike not only affected easyJet but also other carriers, leading to a broader call for intervention from the European Union to manage the chaos generated by air-traffic control walkouts that heavily disrupt overflights in Europe—where a substantial portion of flights utilizes French airspace. Despite these setbacks, easyJet reported a rise in profits of £50 million for the April to June quarter, attributing part of this increase to a late Easter holiday that spurred higher bookings in April. The airline maintained a high seat occupancy rate of 92% in June, indicating a strong demand for its services. However, such achievements came amid rising operational challenges, including soaring fuel prices and late bookings by passengers, which could affect the airline's overall full-year results. The ongoing discussions regarding air-traffic control strikes emphasize the importance of regulated and stable airspace management, particularly in France, which plays a central role in European aviation. The impact of these recent events showcases the tangible consequences of labor unrest on air travel and highlights the need for airlines and regulatory bodies to work collaboratively to mitigate the effects of such strikes in the future.