Air Corsica pilots launch eight-day strike over rosters and pay
Air Corsica is facing the first pilot strike in its history, severely disrupting mainland links while five ATR 72-600 aircraft remain grounded for engine checks.
The cockpit crew of French regional carrier Air Corsica initiated an eight-day strike on Friday, October 9, 2026, scheduled to run until October 16. Called by the Syndicat National des Pilotes de Ligne (SNPL) and the Syndicat des Pilotes de l’Aviation Civile (SPAC), representing around 140 pilots, this work stoppage marks the first pilot strike in the history of the airline.
The dispute stems from stalled collective bargaining talks concerning remuneration, rostering arrangements, and annual leave allocations, despite earlier concessions made by flight crews to support company consolidation. Operational difficulties are further compounded by fleet constraints, as precautionary turboprop engine inspections have grounded five out of the carrier's seven ATR 72-600 aircraft.
To maintain essential transport links between Corsica and the mainland, the carrier operates a heavily reduced schedule out of Ajaccio, Bastia, and Figari, while progressively restoring Calvi-Nice flights on Monday, October 12. Management has chartered replacement aircraft from external operators and organized inter-airport bus transfers to mitigate passenger disruptions, while negotiations with union representatives continue.
Why it matters for your training
For airline pilots, this industrial action highlights the delicate balance between rostering stability, working conditions, and company restructuring in regional operations.
Sources
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