Since Sunday afternoon, a breakdown in the air traffic control system has partially paralyzed traffic at Paris-Orlyairport .The Direction Générale de l'Aviation (DGAC) has required airlines to reduce their flight schedules by 15% for Monday May 19.The aim of this regulation is to deal with the consequences of a technical malfunction that remains unresolved. Despite this measure, the actual impact observed remains lower: 44 flights cancelled out of 660, i.e. around 7%, but delays continue to accumulate , with over 90 flights disrupted, particularly on landing.
In the airport halls , confusion reigns. Passengers waited, often without clear information, while others sought alternative solutions , sometimes at prohibitive prices . Many travelers had to leave their already boarded aircraft or were redirected to other airports, such as Roissy. Some, like a passenger accompanying her elderly mother to a family funeral in Morocco, find themselves at a loss, with no immediate alternative . Testimonies are multiplying , between fatigue, resignation and anger.
The failure is linked to a malfunction in the control tower 's radar system . This system is essential to the smooth operation of the airport, coordinating take-offs and landings. Although rare, this type of incident illustrates the vulnerability of the airport's high-techinfrastructure . The gradual resumption of traffic shows just how delicate and slowthe resolution of this kind of breakdown can be .
Travelers affected by this situation should contact their airline for flight information , rerouting or reimbursement. Depending on the exact nature of the incident, some may be entitled to compensation, even though technical breakdowns can sometimes qualify as extraordinary circumstances under European law. Alternatives are few and far between, and for many, alternative means of transport or postponement of the trip are the only options . In any case, it's a good idea to keep your receipts to help you file a claim.
For airlines , this crisis represents a logisticalheadache . Reorganizing schedules, repositioning crews and dealing with angry customers all require considerable resources . The business model of low-costairlines , which have a strong presence at Orly, is particularly vulnerable to this type of disruption. The slightest malfunction can have a snowballeffect , with delays lasting several days.
This incident is a reminder of the need to invest in modernizing air trafficcontrol infrastructures . Communication with passengers also needs to be strengthened to prevent waiting from turning into frustration. In the long term , better regional coordination between the various airports in the Paris region would enable us to better absorb operational shocks and prevent all traffic from relying on a single site.
For travelers , staying informed is essential. Before any trip, check the airport or airline website for updates to help you anticipate unforeseen events. In times of instability , it's a good idea to leave some room for manoeuvre, avoid tight connections and take out travel insurance. Good preparation remains the best weapon in the face of the unexpected.
The breakdown at Orly is a stark reminder of our dependence on systems that are invisible, but essential. While incidents on this scale are rare, their human and logistical consequences are considerable. The authorities must now draw the lessons from this crisis to reinforce the reliability of our air network . As for passengers, they have no choice but to wait patientlyfor a return to normal.
Dates and Opening Time
On May 19, 2025
Location
Orly Airport
Aéroport de Paris-Orly
94390 Aeroport d'Orly
