French national strikes to hit air, sea and rail travel this week
Jennifer MorrisTravellers heading to France can expect two days of disruption over Thursday and Friday (19-20 January) owing to two days of French national strikes over pension reforms.
Air services are likely to be affected by the action, while most trains will be cancelled in France on Thursday. The Paris metro will also be heavily disrupted. Staff at many theatres and music venues are also expected to join the action.
The Foreign Office (FCDO) is advising those due to travel to or from France during the strike period to check the latest advice with their operators before travelling, avoid demonstrations, and follow the advice of local authorities.
Eurostar has confirmed it will run a revised timetable over 19-20 January, with the strike set to impact the availability of crew and opening hours on the high-speed line it uses in northern France. There will also be a knock-on effect on 20 January, the company warned.
EasyJet, meanwhile, is advising passengers to check the status of their flight on its website or through its app before heading to their departure airport.
The airline added as national and local rail services may also be affected, travellers should plan their journey in advance and allow plenty of time to get to and from the airport.
The Guardian reports the day of action is hoping to force president Emmanuel Macron to back down over plans to raise the official retirement age. Union leaders have called for a “massive mobilisation”.
Reuters reports airlines, including Air France and Vueling, have been asked by France’s aviation regulator to cancel one in five flights out of Paris’s second biggest airport, Orly.
Ferries between Dover and Calais will be affected, with P&O Ferries warning services to and from the port will be suspended for nine hours from 7am GMT on Thursday. Dunkerque services will continue to operate as normal, but passengers have been advised to set aside extra time for their journeys.
P&O Ferries, though, did warn its wider operations could be affected during the day. DFDS, meanwhile, said alternative arrangements for travel via Dunkerque would be made for customers due to travel between Dover and Calais.
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