Flight Disruptions in France This September: Are Palma Airport Travellers Affected?

Thursday, September 4th, 2025

Updated 14/9/2025

A month of strikes in France affects European air travel

Passengers travelling via Palma de Mallorca Airport should continue to expect potential disruption in September, as various strikes in France are expected to impact European skies.

Key dates at a glance

10th September: Strikes at Marseille, Nice, Bastia, Ajaccio, and Calvi airports.
12th–13th September: Marseille air traffic control strikes.
18th–19th September: National mobilisation – widespread disruption likely, though main ATC union SNCTA has withdrawn.
7th–9th October: Planned SNCTA strike (to be confirmed).

Marseille air traffic control strikes: 12th–13th September

Looking back, air traffic controllers in Marseille walked out on Friday, 12th September 2025, from 11:00 to 19:30, and again on Saturday, 13th September 2025, from 06:30 to 23:00.

As a large proportion of flights to and from Palma de Mallorca pass through French airspace, these stoppages caused delays and cancellations, even for services that were not bound for France.

Earlier in the month, on Wednesday, 10th September, controllers at several southern French airports, including Marseille-Provence, Nice, Bastia, Ajaccio, and Calvi, also staged a strike.

National mobilisation and air traffic control strikes: 18th–19th September

The most significant disruption this month is expected on Thursday, 18th September, and Friday, 19th September, when multiple unions are joining a nationwide mobilisation across transport, healthcare, education, and other public services.

Initially, France’s main air traffic control union, the Syndicat national des contrôleurs du trafic aérien (SNCTA), which represents around 70% of controllers, had planned to stage a nationwide strike on these dates. However, on Friday, 12th September, the SNCTA announced that it was suspending its notice. The decision was taken after the appointment of the new Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, with the union explaining that there was no one currently in place to negotiate its demands.

Instead, the SNCTA has postponed its own strike action until 7th–9th October. Its demands include full pay adjustments for 2024 to match inflation, as well as reforms to the profession’s governance.

Despite the SNCTA stepping back, disruption is still likely on 18th–19th September. Other air traffic control unions, particularly smaller groups such as the CGT-affiliated branch, may still walk out, although confirmation is pending. In addition, Air France staff represented by the FO, CFDT and CGT unions have urged members to take part in the national mobilisation. Pilots, however, are not joining the action.

The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) will issue forecasts shortly before the strike days, advising airlines how many flights must be cancelled. Travellers flying on 18th or 19th September should monitor their airline’s updates closely, as widespread disruption is still expected, even without SNCTA participation. Routes most vulnerable to delays include those between northern Europe and Spain, including Palma de Mallorca, that rely on French airspace.

Why French strikes affect Palma Airport flights

Most flights between Mallorca and destinations in the UK, Germany, and northern Europe pass through French airspace. When air traffic controllers strike, capacity is restricted, and fewer aircraft are permitted to cross. This creates a ripple effect across the continent, forcing airlines to delay, reroute, or cancel flights. Even if you are not travelling to France directly, your journey to or from Palma Airport may still be disrupted.

Lessons from earlier strikes this summer

Strikes by smaller French unions in July caused significant chaos across Europe. According to Eurocontrol, more than one million passengers were affected, with thousands of cancellations. Ryanair alone estimated losses of over €100 million. With the September mobilisation involving multiple transport unions, passengers should still expect considerable disruption, even if SNCTA is no longer leading the action on 18th September.

How Palma Airport passengers should prepare

Check your flight status regularly: Use your airline’s website or app for the latest information.
Allow extra time for connections: Delays and diversions are highly likely.
Arrive early at Palma Airport: Avoid last-minute problems at check-in or security.
Consider flexible travel plans: Build flexibility into your schedule in case of cancellations.
Stay informed: Monitor French strike updates, as disruption can extend beyond official strike hours due to knock-on effects.

Looking ahead: October strike outlook

While September’s national mobilisation is expected to cause serious disruption, passengers should also be aware of the further strike threats in October. The SNCTA has already announced plans for industrial action from 7th to 9th October, unless progress is made in talks with the government.

If the action goes ahead, travellers flying between Palma de Mallorca and northern Europe may once again face significant disruption due to French airspace restrictions. Airlines are likely to issue guidance closer to the time, and passengers are strongly advised to monitor developments in late September and early October.