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A file picture taken on March 25, 2010 in Paris shows the logo of the French Airlines company Air France. Air France has warned that strike action by flight attendants could cause disruptions on up to 20 percent of its flights on October 29, 2011. Two of three unions representing flight attendants at the airline have called for strike action on next Saturday and on November 2 to protest plans to reduce the number of attendants on each flight. (AFP)
An Air France flight from Abu Dhabi to Paris on Saturday was cancelled as cabin staff went on strike protesting conditions at work.
“The daily flight from Dubai will continue to operate and we are making all arrangements for passengers booked on the Abu Dhabi flight to travel without any major disruptions,” said an Air France customer care executive.
According to him the service from Abu Dhabi to Paris will continue to remain affected until November 3.
“The flight from Abu Dhabi was scheduled to depart at 1.40am and was cancelled. We managed to put some on other flights while others were moved to Dubai,” the executive said.
In a message posted on its website Air France said the strike by its unions could result in many cancellations and urged passengers to check their status before departing to airports.
“Several commercial crew unions have called for an industrial action from Saturday October 29 to Wednesday November 02, 2011. We are compelled to reduce our flight schedule accordingly and we do not exclude "on the spot" cancellations as well as delays. We apologize to customers affected by this situation and will do our utmost to reduce any inconvenience. Before going to the airport, we invite you to check our up-to-date flight information,” the message said.
The airline also offered passengers travelling from October 29 to November 3, irrespective of the status of the flight.
Passengers willing to travel from November 03 to December 09, 2011, the modification of booking will be made possible free of charge in the same cabin of travel, irrespectively of the fare paid. The airline has termed the strike unjustified.
Air France cancels flights as 5-day strike hits
Air France cancelled 10 long-haul flights and warned of wider disruption as a five-day strike by flight attendants over job terms and conditions began on Saturday, in the middle of a busy holiday weekend.
The French airline said ahead of the strike that it hoped to ensure about 80 percent of flights.
In a statement posted on its website, the carrier said that it had cancelled flights to New York, Tokyo, Montreal and several other destinations, adding: "we do not rule out other last-minute cancellations and delays".
Several unions are urging cabin staff to strike until the end of Wednesday, raising the prospect of serious disruption during what is a busy travel period.
Tuesday, Nov. 1 is a public holiday in France and many people take Monday off to extend the weekend break. It also falls during the mid-term school holidays.
Qantas strike:
Meanwhile Qantas Airways official at Dnata said the airline does not operate any direct flight from the UAE.
“The office here mainly facilitates booking for passengers travelling from Singapore and other connecting destinations. We have not received any calls or enquiries so far from any of the passengers from Dubai,” said the official.
The ground staff, baggage handlers and engineers of the Australia based airline are protesting over work and pay related issues.
According to reports many flight are delayed while several others have been cancelled as the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers association and the Transport Workers Union are demanding better pay and working conditions.
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