Air France flights cancelled as pilots 
starts week-long strike over savings

The company’s issues echo those faced by flagship airlines across Europe as they face tough competition from budget carriers for short-haul flights and cash-rich Gulf state planes on long-haul routes.

In the case of Air France-KLM, French labour law makes it 
complex and costly to make employees redundant or adjust contracts in times of financial trouble.

The carrier announced a plan last week aimed at saving one billion euro (£797m) over the next several years, and said it will transfer much of its European operations – and jobs – to low-cost carrier Transavia.

Air France pilots’ unions have called for a week-long strike, starting yesterday, as they seek better conditions under the plan.

Air France is urging passengers to change or postpone travel plans, estimating that it can only ensure 48 per cent of flights today.

The Paris airport authority said only half of Air France flights were operating out of Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports.

At Charles de Gaulle on Monday morning, crowds gathered at the Air France counter to try to change their tickets.