Fresh France strike action triggers new FCDO travel warning
James ChapplePeople returning from Easter breaks on the continent this week have been warned a fresh round of strike action in France could impact their travel plans.
The Foreign Office on Tuesday (11 April) said "coordinated strike action" over France’s pension reforms could affect public transport networks on Thursday (13 April).
"Trade unions have announced demonstrations and coordinated strike action on Thursday 13 April, affecting multiple sectors including transport networks," said the FCDO. "Industrial action may start the evening before the strike day and run for several days."
In addition, the FCDO said protests were likely. "Since mid-March there have been spontaneous protests in central Paris and elsewhere in France," read the FCDO’s updated advice.
"Protests are likely to take place around Friday 14 April and could occur with little notice. Some protests have turned violent. The protests may lead to disruptions to road travel."
Eurostar said Thursday’s strike would not impact its timetable, adding its trains would run as normal. However, it warned: "Public transport and train connections may continue to be disrupted."
Several airlines, meanwhile, have flagged disruption from ongoing industrial action by French air traffic controllers, including easyJet which on Tuesday said it was "experiencing some disruption" to its flying programme.
Ryanair said the threat of action by French ATCs would continue until May, adding that so far in 2023, its operations had been impacted by 32 days of strikes affecting 3,350 flights – mainly those overflying France.
Jet2.com has issued a similar pre-emptive warning, covering the period to 1 May. "This means flights operating to or through French airspace may be delayed," said the carrier.
The FCDO also stressed there would continue to be higher levels of cross-Channel traffic on all routes this week owing to the Easter getaway. "There might be delays for passengers, especially those on coaches, travelling between UK and French ports," the updated FCDO advice continued.
Travellers have been advised to check the status of their journey with their travel operator in advance, and any short-term guidance on how early to arrive at their departure port.
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