Ryanair passengers stranded by air traffic control strikes may 'not be covered' by insurance

Daily Record

03-07-2025

Passengers affected have been told they may not be covered by standard travel insurance.
Ryanair passengers who have been left high and dry amid a series of French air traffic control strikes may not be covered by their travel insurance, it has emerged. It is feared the strikes will impact some 30,000 fliers across Europe as the summer holidays kick off.
Ryanair said it had been forced to cancel more than 170 flights as a nationwide air traffic controller strike in France started today. In Edinburgh, three flights were cancelled this morning as the French civil aviation authority asked airlines to reduce flights by 40 per cent to hubs in Paris.
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But passengers affected by the strikes and cancellations have been told they may not be covered by standard travel insurance in a further blow.
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Experts at Forum Insurance are warning that many travellers may be unaware that their standard travel insurance won't cover them for airspace disruption caused by strikes.
As disruption is hitting flights to and from France, and across European airspace, including routes between the UK, Greece, Spain, and Ireland, passengers are likely unaware that most standard travel policies don't include cover for strikes or air traffic control issues unless an optional add-on has been purchased.
It means travellers caught out could face unexpected costs or delays with no insurance protection.
Expert insight from Niraj Mamtora, Director at Forum Insurance said: "Standard travel insurance often excludes airspace disruption, so travellers shouldn't assume they're covered for strikes or air traffic control closures.
"To be protected, you need a policy with 'travel disruption' or 'airspace closure' as an optional add-on or as part of a higher-tier policy.
'This cover can reimburse you for missed travel and accommodation, enforced overnight stays abroad, or extra costs if you're stranded and no alternative transport is available for over 24 hours."
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However there is an important caveat to this which fliers should be aware of when purchasing any add ons.
Niraj added: "But it usually only applies if the disruption was unexpected at the time of booking, and some policies exclude cover if the strike was already known or if you travel against official advice.
'Check your policy wording carefully. Look for any reference to 'travel disruption', 'airspace closure', or 'missed departure'. Even if your plan doesn't include full disruption cover, there may be some limited benefits.
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"And if you're already abroad, your travel provider or tour operator may be obliged to help with alternative arrangements.'
France's air traffic control union announced its workers would go on strike on July 3 and 4 due to concerns like understaffing, burnout and employees being overworked.
And Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary called for the president of the European Commission to change the EU's air traffic controllers' services calling the strikes 'abundantly unfair' on those trying to go on holiday.