France's Aviation Authority Asked Airlines to Cancel Flights Over Pension Strike

By Olivia Bugault

The French Civil Aviation Authority asked airlines to cancel some of their flights Tuesday as a strike against pension reforms continues to cripple the country's transportation network.

The decision comes after several unions, including in the aviation sector, called for the continuation of the strike until the withdrawal of the French government's pension plan.

The aviation authority asked carriers to reduce by 20% their flights arriving and departing from Paris and other big cities such as Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse and Bordeaux.

Air France-KLM's (AF.FR) French carrier Air France warned Monday that almost 25% of its domestic flights and 10% of its medium-haul flights won't operate on Tuesday, while its long-haul operations won't be affected.

However, the French carrier noted that last-minute cancellations or delays could happen during the day.

Ryanair Holdings PLC (RYA.LN) has also been forced to cancel a number of flights, the low-cost company said Monday.

Trains and subways are also severely affected for the sixth consecutive day, with only 2 of Paris's 16 metro lines working smoothly. Only one-fifth of France's high-speed trains will operate Tuesday, with the state-owned railway company advising travelers to cancel or postpone their trips.

The French government will lay out the details of its pension plan on Wednesday.

Write to Olivia Bugault at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 10, 2019 05:21 ET (10:21 GMT)

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