EasyJet operated some five special flights on Friday to fetch hundreds of passengers, especially children, who were left stranded as a result of the French air traffic controllers’ strike.
The 48-hour industrial action which ended on Thursday caused chaos for passengers in Europe.
The strike affected not only journeys to and from French destinations but also flights from other countries which were due to use French airspace.
EasyJet said it had provided more than 6,000 hotel rooms for stranded customers on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
A spokesman said: “We recognise that there are a number of passengers across the network who have been affected by these cancellations and still require flights as soon as possible.
“We are operating five rescue flights, prioritising the repatriation of three groups of schoolchildren.”
The budget carrier itself had to cancel 331 flights on Thursday and 248 on Wednesday. Ryanair, BA, Flybe and many others also had to disappoint travellers by cancelling flights.
Further ATC strikes are scheduled for 16-18 April and 29 April-2 May.
Some of the school children whose flights had been cancelled were only able to get other flights home on next Thursday, when a further strike is planned.
Comments
Except that the French voted for a left wing government.
It is this sort of action that gives a bad name to trade unions. Perhaps France needs its version of Mrs Thatcher to encourage unions in general, and this union in particular, to toe a civilised line.
Oh, and French air traffic controllers are the pits