EasyJet’s CEO Johan Lundgren has complained about the recent air traffic controller (ATC) strikes in France, saying the consequences are “completely unacceptable”. In an interview with Agence France Press, he stressed that authorities better address the underlying issues before tourists start to choose other locations. “The strikes will have a dampening effect on demand,” he noted, adding that he had written to the French transport minister and aviation regulator to request an increase in the “minimum service level” guaranteed during the strikes.
There have been major flight disruptions amid strikes over France’s controversial pension reforms, which will see the minimum retirement age rise from 62 to 64. There have been cancellations and delays at French airports, but the air traffic controllers’ strikes mean that other flights crossing French airspace have also been affected. “We do not contest the right of people to strike,” Lundgren said. “But the consequences must be proportionate and flights over French territory must be protected.”
The more a country is known for strikes, the more people will choose to go elsewhere.
Johan Lundgren, easyJet’s CEO
“I think it’s quite unacceptable the consequences this is having now,” Lundgren told AFP. “Ten million people have been affected by this.” Eurocontrol says 30% of flights in Europe were “possibly impacted” by the French industrial action in the first three months of this year.
“The more an industry or country is known for strikes and unreliability, it will have a dampening effect on demand, people will just go elsewhere,” he said. “Why should I go to France if I think I might be exposed to a strike?”
Lundgren made the comments during an update on the state of the airline industry’s recovery after Covid-19 and a substantial increase in the cost of living, inflation, and other factors such as the war in Ukraine.
Over he felt confident in the industry’s outlook despite the economic climate. “While there is definitely a cost of living crisis in Europe and many parts of the world, travel and flights are now even more of a priority for people.”
Despite the 71 percent increase in fuel costs, EasyJet’s average fare has risen by 31 percent, an average increase of €14. It’s still within reach for many customers, the CEO said. The Luton-based airline is expected to exceed its profit expectations of £260 million this year (€294 million).
France was one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world from 2014 to 2019, as reported by Euronews. According to Global Data, 88.1 million people visited France in 2019.
