Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) is facing major flight disruptions for the second day in a row due to a malfunction in its air traffic control systems. After airlines were forced to cancel 40% of scheduled flights on Sunday, cancellations continued into Monday, with 15% of flights grounded.
Technical Glitch Leads to Cancellations
The French Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) confirmed the ongoing issues but reported signs of recovery. On Sunday, out of 330 scheduled flights, 130 were canceled. Today, the disruption is less severe but still significant, affecting one in every six departures and arrivals at the busy airport.
The DGAC has recommended that passengers confirm their flight status with their airlines before heading to the airport, as delays and potential further cancellations are still expected.
Airlines Affected
Several major carriers operate at Paris-Orly, and many have been impacted by the control system issues. These include:
- Air France
- Iberia
- EasyJet
- Air Algeria
- Royal Air Maroc
While the specific number of canceled or delayed flights per airline has not been disclosed, all carriers have been forced to make adjustments to minimize risk and manage capacity.
Orly’s Growing Importance
Paris-Orly Airport, located just south of the French capital, has grown into a critical transport hub, especially with the newly operational metro link to central Paris. It is projected to serve around 33 million passengers in 2024. These figures place it as one of the busiest airports in France, second only to Paris Charles de Gaulle.
The airport’s mix of short- and medium-haul flights across Europe, North Africa, and domestic routes makes it particularly vulnerable to ripple effects from traffic control issues. Passengers who rely on quick connections or affordable flights are among the hardest hit.
Two Days of Impact at a Glance
| Date | Scheduled Flights | Canceled Flights | Cancellation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 330 | 130 | 40% |
| Monday | Estimated | 15% of total | 15% |
What Travelers Should Do
Passengers scheduled to fly from or to Paris-Orly today should take the following steps:
- Check flight status directly with their airline
- Allow extra time for airport procedures
- Prepare for potential delays or rebooking needs
Though authorities say the system is stabilizing, it’s unclear when full functionality will resume. Until then, disruptions may continue to affect travel plans.
