Beauvais, Orly, Roissy... Thousands of Flights to Face Cancellations in Early 2024, Here's Why

Between January and February, a substantial number of flights are expected to be canceled due to a shift in the software utilized by airlines.

A significant transformation is on the horizon for the aviation industry: air traffic control is set to undergo a major update with the introduction of the 4-Flight software developed by Thales, as reported by our colleagues at BFM TV. Consequently, tens of thousands of flights will need to be canceled by airlines between January and February 2024.

Since the 1970s, French air traffic control has been operating with the same semi-automated system, which sometimes necessitates air traffic controllers to use "strips," small printed paper bands representing approaching aircraft, our colleagues further point out. However, the current system's architecture "is no longer suitable for accommodating the technological standards of the new generation and the new operational concepts of the European Single Sky," states the Ministry of Transport in an explanatory document.

With 4-Flight, requiring a one-billion-euro investment over a lifespan of 30 years, air traffic controllers will be able to handle more circulating aircraft, thereby improving traffic flow and optimization, as highlighted by BFM TV. Florian Guillermet, Director of Air Navigation Services (DNSA), asserts that "this next-generation system for en-route air traffic control is part of an ambitious technological modernization of our systems, which has become crucial. 4-Flight offers innovative features promoting more efficient air traffic management."

In 2019, the Ministry of Transport reports that 3 million flights were controlled. BFM TV reminds us that the 1,750 French air traffic controllers must manage planes landing in France, departing from France, as well as numerous planes passing through French airspace.

Cancellation of Short and Medium-Haul Flights 4-Flight incorporates a new flight plan processing system and a new control environment. "This is equivalent to changing nearly 80% of the French ATM system," explains the Ministry of Transport. Among the new features of 4-Flight, "Coflight updates the flight plan trajectory in real time. Thus, the controller has a better forecast of the aircraft's trajectory, which allows for a reduction in flight duration and fuel consumption," notes the Ministry of Transport.

However, this major system update will disrupt some flights. Between January 9 and February 14, 2024, airlines will need to reduce the number of their flights by 20% from the airports of Paris (Orly, Roissy, and Le Bourget) and Beauvais, reports BFM TV. In total, around 16,500 flights will be canceled, with Air France alone accounting for 4,379, according to l'Echo Touristique, based on figures from the French Airports Coordination Association (Cohor).

Airlines must now decide which flights to cancel. Philippe Brieu, General Secretary France of Bar, told l'Echo Touristique: "There is little chance that long-haul flights will be affected. Many airlines will reschedule elsewhere." Air France, as cited by BFM TV, confirms: "Air France is obliged to cancel some short and medium-haul flights during this period." Affected customers are "notified directly with a proposal for automatic rescheduling on another available flight."

The National Federation of Aviation and its Professions (Fnam) explains to the media: "Airlines have been informed by the DGAC of the constraints related to the implementation of the 4-Flight software in the Paris region in 2024. They have had the opportunity to provide their recommendations to try to minimize the consequences for passengers by adapting their activities as best as possible during these periods.

Source : https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1393288/article/2023-11-06/beauvais-orly-roissy-des-milliers-de-vols-vont-etre-supprimes-debut-2024-voici