Air traffic strike lifted - French skies clear again

The agreement between striking air traffic controllers and the French Government last night to park their dispute over resources is a welcome relief to thousands of frustrated travellers and intending holiday-makers.

France enjoys the greatest number of foreign visitors in Europe and the dispute had the capacity to leave a rancorous aftertaste. It may still do. Consumer sentiment may be fickle, but messing with the people is a short cut to a public relations own goal.

Ryanair — one of the airlines affected by the strike — also believes European air traffic controllers should not be allowed strike, pointing out that their US counterparts are not permitted to do so.