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Paris-Orly Air Traffic Failure Disrupts Hundreds of Flights for Second Day

The DGAC has ordered a 15% flight reduction as efforts to restore air traffic control systems continue, with delays and cancellations persisting on May 19.

A photograph taken on June 22, 2020, shows a general view of the Orly airport, in Orly on the outskirts of Paris, a few days before its reopening as France eases lockdown measures taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus). The airport should reopen on June 26, 2020 after being closed as part of the measures adopted by French government to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by BERTRAND GUAY / AFP) (Photo by BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images)
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An aviation source told AFP that a radar breakdown caused the airport chaos
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Overview

  • A breakdown in Paris-Orly's air traffic control systems on May 18 led to the cancellation of approximately 130 flights, affecting thousands of passengers.
  • The DGAC has requested airlines to cut 15% of flights on May 19, warning of continued delays despite gradual system recovery.
  • Flights across France, Europe, and North Africa have been disrupted, with long queues forming as passengers seek alternative travel options.
  • Some passengers were forced to disembark planes after boarding, adding to the frustration and logistical challenges at the airport.
  • Paris-Orly, which handles 33 million passengers annually, remains a critical hub in France's aviation network, highlighting the broader impact of the outage.