EasyJet cancellations rise as French controllers strike

EasyJet had to cancel 173 flights last month, many because of French air traffic control strikes.

However, the cancellations and the impact of the Egypt Air disaster during the month did not prevent passenger numbers climbing by 5.7% compared with the same month last year.

The load factor reported by the budget airline fell by a fraction to 91.5% from 91.6% in May 2015.

EasyJet, which is the second biggest airline in France, would like to reap some benefit from the Euro 2016 soccer tournament which kicks off at the weekend, but there is evidence that holidaymakers defer travelling during sporting tournaments.

A spokesman said the airline was not counting on increased traffic as a result of the football competition.

The risk of further air traffic control strikes remains, with another scheduled for June 14.