Nantes airport hit by strike action, almost all flights cancelled

The majority of flights to and from Nantes airport are cancelled today (November 6), as firefighters and rescue workers at the airport are on strike. 

All 36 staff at the airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Service are reported to have joined the protest action. They are calling for a recruitment drive, better pay, and seniority rights.

Nantes airport recommends anyone set to fly to or from the airport today contact their airline to check the status of their flight. 

The airport’s live online departure board shows essentially all flights are cancelled.

The firefighters’ strike motion is stated as lasting until December 31, but it is unclear whether disruption to this level will continue. 

Currently, most flights taking place tomorrow (November 7) look set to run as scheduled. 

A large safety exercise is also set to take place at the airport this afternoon between 17:30 and midnight, simulating disasters including a runway overrun. 

Up to 700 people including workers from local hospitals are scheduled to take part in the simulation. 

This alone was not set to disrupt services to the airport today, however it is now unclear if the simulation will still take place. 

Traffic on roads near the airport may be impacted if the simulation goes ahead. 

Read more: French rail strike call: wide-scale disruption expected later this month