France air traffic control issues leave Britons stranded in Europe with flight delays

France air traffic control problems have sparked holiday hell for Britons at airports at home and abroad. Airport terminals in the UK, including Gatwick, as well as those in Europe with passengers waiting to fly back to the UK have been affected by the incident today. It has been reported France’s air traffic control has been affected by a “failure of the common computer and communication systems.” Website aviation24.be stated: “As a result, several thousands of messages – communications between airlines/ aircraft/ airports to French ATC – are queuing up.

“The French are working to resolve the technical problems.”

The issue is believed to affect a number of air traffic control in France including Marseille, Bordeaux, Paris, Reims and Brest.

Yet the delays are affecting the entirety of Europe, with planes passing through the French airspace.

Gatwick Airport, London’s second largest airport, posted an update on its Twitter page which read: “Due to issues with French air traffic control, some flights will be delayed today.

“Please check with your airline for the status of your flight.”

Later in the day, it updated passengers on the incident, and added: “We are working with your airline to do everything we can to mitigate delays and cancellations caused by the earlier French ATC systems failure.

“Please check the status of your flight before travelling to the airport.”

As yet, it is unknown how long flights will be delayed.

British Airways has already cancelled flights for this morning.

One angry traveller took to Twitter to comment: “Been sat on a plane on the tarmac for one hour 30 minutes now, could be sat here for another one hour 30 minutes due France Air Traffic Control Striking.”

Another put: “ Really don’t need this s*** today. Air traffic control restrictions in France delaying this flight for 3.5 hours and I’m having to sit in the plane because we’ve already boarded.”

Another posted: “”Air Traffic Control systems failure across France and Spain” – I’ve been in Heathrow for four hours so far.”

One then explained: “Air traffic control system down across all of France.

“@easyJet pilot on flight to Lisbon EZY6253 has just given a wonderful and empathic explanation to passengers.

“Leaving us informed and understanding of the issues and possible solutions. Great management and people skills.”

Another quizzed: “Flight to Manchester grounded at Malaga airport due to air traffic control in France.

“Any updates? Stuck on a grounded plane for two hours.”

Passengers are urged to check their individual airlines for updates.

Express.co.uk recently reported what Britons should do should they be delayed or have their flights cancelled by their airline, because of a strike or other incident.

In May, French air traffic controllers staged a strike in protest against French President Emanuel Macron’s plans to change working conditions.

source: express.co.uk