French airline unions to go on strike next week

A four-day strike by several French airline unions, including those of pilots, would affect air traffic to and from France next week, with Air France advising passengers to get regular flight updates from their website.

The unions, which also include airport and airline ground workers and cabin crew, are protesting a proposed law that would require employees to give two days’ notice before going on strike, dubbing it as "anti-democratic".

"Air France apologizes to its passengers for the disruption and inconvenience that this strike may cause, which will affect the whole French air transport industry," the airline said in a statement from its headquarters in Roissy.

It said the airline was "doing all it can to limit the impact of this strike on its operations and to inform its customers in advance, as quickly and as efficiently as possible."

In case of cancellations, delays or postponed flights, Air France will directly inform its customers of the disruption affecting their flight by telephone, text message or e-mail, the statement said.

Passengers due to travel between February 6 and 9 will be able to modify or postpone their journey, it said, and asked the travellers to check the official website for details.

"Air France will do its best to adjust its flight schedule depending on how many of its employees join the strike. However, as they are not obliged to inform the company in advance of their intention to strike, some last minute delays and cancellations may arise," the statement added.