Why France's DGAC Ordered 15% Flight Cuts at Paris-CDG and Orly
Key Points
- 1France's DGAC requested a 15% reduction in flights at Paris-CDG and Orly airports on Monday due to heavy snowfalls.
- 2The flight cuts were mandated until 2000 CET at CDG and 2330 CET at Orly to manage reduced air traffic control and ground capacity.
- 3The disruption was part of a wider European weather event, with Amsterdam Schiphol cancelling up to 700 flights on the same day.
- 4Airlines were given discretion to select which takeoffs and landings to cancel, so long as the 15% reduction was met.
France's civil aviation authority, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), ordered a major flight reduction at the capital's main hubs. Airlines were asked to cancel 15 percent of flights at both Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris-Orly (ORY) airports. This directive followed a period of heavy snowfalls in Paris that severely impacted ground operations and air traffic control capacity.
This move was a safety measure. It aimed to ease congestion and allow ground crews time to clear runways. The DGAC gave airlines the freedom to choose which specific flights to cancel. This flexibility helped carriers manage their schedules. The only requirement was that they meet the mandated reduction in takeoffs and landings.
Operational Impact and Timeframes
The Paris flight cancellations snow event created widespread travel chaos. The flight reduction was in effect for the afternoon and evening on the day of the snowfall. Specifically, airlines had to reduce operations until 2000 CET (1900 GMT) at Charles de Gaulle Orly snow airport (CDG). The required cut at Paris-Orly (ORY) lasted longer, until 2330 CET (2230 GMT).
The French transport ministry issued a strong passenger travel advisories France warning. They urged all travelers to check their flight status before leaving home. Furthermore, the ministry advised using public transportation. This was due to severe road disruption, including a reported 1,000-kilometer traffic jam near the capital.
Wider European Disruption
The winter storm caused European winter weather disruption across the continent. The situation in Paris was mirrored by significant issues at other major hubs. Amsterdam Schiphol airport (AMS), one of Europe’s busiest, also faced major problems. Schiphol cancelled almost 500 to 700 flights that same morning. The Dutch airport was temporarily closed to incoming traffic for several hours.
Major carriers, including Air France, KLM, easyJet, and Transavia, were significantly affected. The air traffic control capacity was reduced to ensure safety. Cancellations and delays at these large hubs cause a ripple effect. This impacts connecting flights and crew rotations across Europe and beyond.
Aviation Stakeholder Response
These weather-related capacity cuts highlight a key challenge for the industry. Airports must maintain safe ground operations winter conditions. This requires significant resources, such as the 250 snowploughs on standby at the Paris airports. The DGAC's action shows a proactive approach. It prioritizes safety over maintaining a full flight schedule during a winter storm travel disruption.
- Airlines must quickly re-accommodate passengers and manage crew duty times.
- Passengers face missed connections and long rebooking queues.
- Regulators like the DGAC must balance safety with operational efficiency.
This incident is a reminder of how quickly weather can affect the complex European air network. Aviation news updates on these events are crucial for industry planning.
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