France: Air traffic controllers to join inter-professional strike January 28-30 /update 16

Event

French air traffic control agency, DSNA, issued a NOTAM at 07:20 (local time) on Monday, January 27, confirming that an inter-professional strike may affect French air traffic services, aeronautical information services, and communication services from 18:00 on Tuesday, January 28, through 05:30 on Thursday, January 30. While the DSNA said that minimum services will be assured, individuals should anticipate disruptions to flight operations during the strike period.

Several labor unions have called for inter-professional strikes and demonstrations nationwide from Wednesday, January 29, through to Friday, January 31, to protest pension reforms. On Wednesday, participants in Paris plan to gather at 13:30 (local time) at Place d'Italie, though exact details of the march remain unknown as of Tuesday. A related protest is also set to take place in Aubervilliers at 09:00. Similar demonstrations are anticipated in major urban areas. A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected near any demonstration. 

Context

Thousands have protested across France in December 2019 to voice their opposition to the planned pension reform scheme. Subsequent ongoing nationwide strikes have caused significant disruptions to all forms of transportation. Strikes may continue for an indefinite period if the government does not abandon its proposed pension reform plan.

Advice

Travelers flying via France are advised to confirm flight reservations prior to leaving for the airport and to contact their airline for additional information.

Individuals in France, particularly in Paris, are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, monitor developments to the situation, anticipate transportation disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.