PARIS (AP) – France’s civil aviation authority, known as DGAC, has requested airlines to reduce flights by 40% at Paris-Orly Airport on the evening of Sunday following a significant breakdown in air traffic control systems. This drastic measure aims to alleviate the impact of the disruption on air travel operations.
In an official statement, DGAC indicated that the situation required “regulation” due to the critical nature of the breakdown, although no specific details about the cause have been disclosed. The authority assured the public that their teams are “fully mobilized to restore normal operations as soon as possible.” The urgency of the issue reflects the importance of maintaining efficient air traffic control, particularly at one of Paris's main airports.
Paris-Orly Airport, serving both domestic and international flights, is a vital hub for travel across Europe and to various international destinations, including the United States. The airport plays a significant role in connecting travelers to countries such as Spain, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, as well as several cities within France.
Due to the air traffic control disruption, many flights scheduled for Sunday were either canceled or faced delays. Passengers traveling to the affected nations experienced significant inconvenience, with hundreds of travelers stranded or rescheduled. This breakdown not only impacts passengers but also creates complications for airlines and airport operations, highlighting the fragile nature of air travel logistics.
In terms of passenger traffic, Paris-Orly Airport saw over 33 million travelers last year. This figure is substantial, although it represents about half the number of passengers who traveled through Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, making Orly an essential component of Paris’s overall air travel infrastructure. The operational challenges posed by the recent breakdown at Orly further underscore the importance of reliable air traffic control systems in ensuring the smooth flow of air travel.
The ongoing situation has garnered attention as travelers and aviation experts alike await further updates from DGAC regarding the restoration of normal operations at Paris-Orly Airport. As efforts continue to address the technical issues, the aviation community remains hopeful for a swift resolution to minimize disruptions to travel schedules and to maintain the integrity of France’s air transport network.
