French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has requested airlines to halve their flight schedules on Friday, September 16, due to a planned strike by air traffic controllers. The DGAC said that despite the preventive measures, travelers can expect flight cancellations and significant delays. French air navigation services manage one of the largest and most dense areas of airspace in Europe.

The cuts will impact the whole of France, and the DGAC is currently working with Eurocontrol (the European air travel regulator) to help airlines avoid the country’s airspace. Air France, easyJet, Transavia, Ryanair, and Volotea are expected to have the most impact. Together they operate around 64% of all flights scheduled to depart France on Friday. There are about 1,852 departing flights scheduled.

Contact airlines to confirm flight status if booked to fly via airports in France Sept. 16. Do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Arrive at the airport early to prevent your seat from being allocated to a standby passenger.