The Foreign Office today updated its travel advice for France amid expected chaos in widespread strikes. In a new warning, it said that both air and rail services could be impacted.
It said anyone travelling should check with the travel operator before starting the journey. It said: “Strike action in France on Friday 13 October may affect some rail and air services. Check with your travel operator before starting your journey. A demonstration is planned in Paris in the afternoon, moving from the Place d’Italie (in the 13th arrondissement) to the Place Vauban (7th arrondissement). Stay away from demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.”
The strikes could hit fans travelling to the continent as the Rugby World Cup reaches the quarter-final stages. Wales have a big match on Saturday against Argentina, with England playing Fiji on Sunday.
Many airlines warned passengers to expect delays, the Liverpool Echo reported. On its website, easyJet said: “We have been advised of a national strike in France starting 18:00 local time on Thursday 12th October to 06:00 Saturday 14th October. Air Traffic Control staff are joining the strike action and therefore like all airlines, our flights to and from French airports, as well as those flying in French airspace, could be affected.
“We expect that there will be delays and some disruption due to the industrial action, therefore we advise all customers to check the status of their flight on our flight tracker either on our mobile app or website: www.easyjet.com/en/flight-tracker
“Please also be aware that public transport services may be affected by the strike. We recommend all customers allow plenty of extra time to get to the airport and consider alternative transport options where possible.”
Ryanair said: “Due to the French ATC strike on Friday, we have been forced to cancel a small number of flights mainly overflying France. Affected passengers have been notified of their options to change flights (free of charge) or receive a full refund.
“So far in 2023, there has been 64 days of ATC strikes (over 12 times more than in 2022) forcing airlines to cancel thousands of EU overflights from Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and the UK, while France uses Minimum Service Laws to protect French flights. This is unfair. France (and all other EU states) should protect overflights during ATC strikes as they do in Spain, Italy and Greece, and cancel flights to/from the affected State.
“Ryanair sincerely apologises to affected passengers for any inconvenience as a result of these French ATC strike disruptions, which are beyond Ryanair’s control.”
Jet2 also alerted passengers of the strike and added: “Whilst we are unsure of any disruption this may cause there is a possibility of disruption to flights that are due to operate within French airspace. For us to achieve departures as close to our published schedules, it is necessary for us to close our check-in desks and board flights in line with your flight’s scheduled departure time.
“Check-in will close 40 minutes before your scheduled departure, and we will board your flight on time in order to get you on your way as quickly as possible. This way, we are in a position for an immediate departure when required.”