Air France pilots to start four day strike

PASSENGERS on Air France flights are being warned that strike action by pilots is likely to cause severe disruption to services.

The four-day strike will start on Friday, November 14 at one minute past midnight and continue until midnight on Monday, November 17, as pilots protest against changes to the retirement age from 60 to 65, currently under discussion in the French Parliament.

As things stand, Air France estimates half its long-haul flights from Paris and the same for medium-haul flights will be cancelled. More cancellations to long-haul flights are expected as the strike progresses.

The impact of the strike on the 800 or so flights operated by partner airlines Brit Air, CityJet, Régional, CCM and Airlinair should not be as great.

Air France passengers are being advised to consult the airline's website, while a telephone helpline has been set up in France on 0800 240 260, and people overseas can call + 33 1 57 02 10 55.