A walkout by air traffic controllers would likely cause delays and cancellations across many French airports and further afield.

French air traffic controllers are threatening to strike as the summer holiday season begins for millions across Europe.

The UNSA-ICNA union - the second largest union for air traffic controllers in France - has filed a strike motion for the 3 and 4 July. They have cited “toxic” and “authoritarian” management as one of the reasons for the walkout.

The union is calling for increased staffing levels and a pay rise. A meeting on Wednesday this week with the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) failed to prevent the strikes.

The third-largest ATC union, USAC-CGT, also issued a strike notice this week for 3 July. The largest union representing French air traffic controllers, SNCTA, has indicated that it isn’t calling for a strike. (Euronews)