A major obstacle to air traffic control caused hundreds of flights to be cancelled or delayed at Orly Airport in Paris on Sunday, with French aviation authorities confirming it will continue until Monday.
Unexpected breakdowns – The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) was considered a “malfunction” and was considered a “radar failure” by the airport's sources, affecting thousands of passengers.
Around 130 flights inside and outside Orly were cancelled on Sunday, causing long queues and confusion as travelers scrambled for alternative transport. DGAC later announced that the airline was asked to cut its schedule by 15% on Monday, warning that more delays are likely.
“The situation is improving, but traffic restrictions are still needed,” DGAC said in a statement late Sunday.
The breakdowns have affected domestic routes across France and flights to destinations in Europe and North Africa. Orly is the second busiest airport in Paris after Charles Degaard, serving around 33 million passengers last year.
Passengers described the scene of confusion and frustration. “We were on an aircraft and everything was sitting, tied up and ready.
Roman Penault, a 22-year-old student, said she and her peers were forced to abandon their journey after she and her peers were unable to secure affordable alternative flights. “The only option is a flight that costs 300 euros. There's only one seat left,” she said. “For now, we're going home.”
Others like Agnes Giroulli were stuck while trying to travel for emergency personal reasons. Zilouri wanted to fly to Oujda, Morocco, with her elderly mother and young son. “The flight is cancelled. Luckily, I'm with my mother,” she said from the crowded terminal.
Authorities have not yet indicated when full service will resume.
