Duration: ATC strikes occurred on 34 out of 39 days

Impact: Over 237,000 flights delayed across Europe

Cause: French air traffic controllers striking over pension reforms, working conditions, and outdated equipment

Airlines Affected: All carriers using French airspace – Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, and dozens more

Your Rights: ATC strikes typically qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” under EU261, limiting standard compensation. HOWEVER, you can still claim ALL expenses under Montreal Convention – hotels, meals, alternative flights, missed business meetings, and other damages.

What Happened: Strike was called off at the last minute, but airlines had already cancelled over 2,000 flights

Airports Affected: 75% of flights cancelled at Paris Orly, 55% at Charles de Gaulle, 65% at Marseille

Impact: Despite strike cancellation, massive disruptions continued due to last-minute nature

Your Rights: Even though the strike was cancelled, if YOUR flight was still disrupted, you can claim. The chaos caused by late cancellation notice means airlines may still be liable for EU261 compensation PLUS all your expenses.

Duration: Started June 2024, became a daily problem

Impact: Around 20% of scheduled flights cancelled daily

Who Struck: Air Nostrum pilots (regional carrier operating for Iberia)

Your Rights: Pilot strikes are airline employee actions, meaning the airline is responsible. You are entitled to FULL EU261 compensation (€250-€600) plus all expenses. This is NOT extraordinary circumstances.

Who Struck: 300 security and passenger services employees

Impact: Delays in baggage screening, issues for passengers requiring special assistance

Airlines Affected: Primarily easyJet (based at Gatwick), plus all carriers using the airport

Your Rights: Airport staff strikes can be complex. If the delay was significant (3+ hours) and the airline could have managed better, you may still have EU261 claims. Montreal Convention expense claims definitely apply.

Who Struck: Air traffic controllers and ground staff nationwide

Impact: Numerous delays and cancellations across all major Italian airports

Airlines Affected: All carriers flying to/from/within Italy

Your Rights: Mixed strike (multiple parties) means compensation depends on who specifically caused your delay. SkyAid will assess your specific situation. Montreal Convention claims apply regardless.

Who Struck: Pilots and cabin crew (Lufthansa-owned Discover Airlines)

Affected Routes: Frankfurt and Munich departures

Duration: 4-day complete walkout

Your Rights: Airline employee strike means full EU261 compensation entitlement plus all expenses. This is airline responsibility, not extraordinary circumstances.

Strike Pattern: 1-hour strikes at peak times (8:30-9:30 AM and 6-7 PM)

Impact: Security delays causing passengers to miss flights

Your Rights: If you missed your flight due to security delays, you can claim expenses for rebooking and any consequential losses under Montreal Convention.