France: National strike on Tuesday, October 10 /update 1

Event

Various union have called on air traffic controllers (ATCs) throughout France to join the national public sector strike taking place on Tuesday, October 10. The strike by the ATCs will run from Monday evening until Wednesday morning. The French civil aviation authority (DGAC) is requiring airlines to reduce their flight schedules by 30 percent on Tuesday at the following international airports: Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris-Orly (ORY), Beauvais (BVA), Lyon (LYS), Nice (NCE), Marseille (MRS), Toulouse (TLS), Bordeaux (BOD), and Nantes (NTE). Last-minute delays and cancelations are also to be anticipated at these and other French airports. The strike will likely also have an impact on flights crossing French airspace, e.g. flights to and from Spain and Portugal.

The strike was also expected to affect rail transportation but according to the SCNF, the French national rail company, no disruptions are expected on high-speed (TGV), Paris region (Transilien), or regional (TER) lines. International Eurostar and Thalys trains will also operate normally in France, although may face disruptions in Belgium due to an unrelated strike.

Public transportation disruptions are possible, along with street protests with the potential to result in localized traffic disruptions (notably in Paris).

Advice

Travelers are advised to confirm flight reservations, contact their airline for further details, and allow for extra time to reach their destinations.