easyJet flights at risk in France as Easter Monday strike looms Credit : Markus Mainka, Shutterstock
If you’re planning to fly with easyJet over the Easter weekend, here’s something you’ll want to check now. Cabin crew in France have called a nationwide strike for Monday, April 6, raising the risk of delays and cancellations right at the peak of holiday travel.
The walkout, confirmed on April 1, will run from 00:01 to 23:59 across all French bases, and could affect flights to and from major airports including Paris, Nice, Lyon and Bordeaux. For many travellers heading back after Easter, it’s not ideal timing.
Why cabin crew are walking out on one of the busiest travel days
The strike has been called by the UNAC union, which represents cabin crew (PNC) in France. The dispute centres on working conditions and a rejected 2026 agreement.
According to the union, more than 53 per cent of cabin crew voted against the proposed deal, with a turnout exceeding 70 per cent. For them, that vote was a clear message to management.
At the heart of the issue is something many passengers don’t see: unstable schedules and growing fatigue among crew.
UNAC says staff have been dealing with:
- frequent last-minute roster changes
- increasing reassignment to different bases
- mounting pressure linked to unpredictable shifts
The union argues this isn’t a temporary problem anymore, but something that has become part of everyday operations.
What easyJet says – and how flights could be affected
At this stage, easyJet hasn’t released a detailed flight plan for April 6, but the airline has acknowledged the strike.
In a statement, the company said it was “very disappointed” by the decision, while stressing it would try to limit disruption as much as possible.
That could include:
- adjusting flight schedules
- using crew from other bases
- cancelling selected flights if needed
Previous strike calls have aimed for maximum visibility, so disruption levels will largely depend on how many crew take part.
What it means for passengers travelling over Easter
For travellers, especially those returning home after the Easter break, the key message is simple: stay alert and be prepared for changes.
If your flight is scheduled for April 6, you should:
- check your flight status regularly via the easyJet app or website
- keep an eye on emails and SMS updates from the airline
- allow extra time in case of delays
And if your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation EC261/2004, depending on the circumstances.
Why this strike matters more than usual
Strikes happen in aviation – that’s nothing new. But the timing here makes a difference.
Easter is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with thousands of passengers moving across Europe at the same time. Even a limited disruption can quickly ripple through the system.
For expats in Spain travelling to or from France, or connecting through French airports, this could mean missed connections, longer waits, or last-minute changes.
A tense backdrop behind the scenes
Beyond the immediate travel impact, the strike highlights deeper tensions within the airline.
UNAC describes a situation where dialogue with management has stalled, particularly around working conditions and scheduling stability. The rejection of the 2026 agreement – described by the union as decisive – has pushed the situation into open conflict.
For now, all eyes are on April 6.
What to do now if you’re flying
If you’re travelling around that date, the safest approach is to plan ahead.
Consider:
- flexible tickets where possible
- backup options if you have tight connections
- arriving at the airport earlier than usual
Because while not every flight will be affected, this is exactly the kind of disruption that can escalate quickly on a busy travel day.
And with Easter traffic already high, even small changes can have a knock-on effect.
For now, passengers can only wait and watch how the situation unfolds – but one thing is certain: April 6 won’t be a routine travel day for easyJet in France.
