Strike out! Why You Might Not Travel to France

France National Strike Brings Travel to a Standstill

A series of general strikes and demonstrations began in France on 19 January 2023, organized by people opposed to the 2023 French pension reform bill proposed by the Borne government, which would increase the retirement age from 62 to 64 years old.
Macron’s proposal to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 has been compared to former President Nicholas Sarkozy’s 2010 reform that raised the retirement age from 60 to 62, which also led to massive strikes and protests across France.
Three months down the line in March 2023, the situation has worsened having led to widespread disruption, including garbage piling up in the streets and public transport cancellations, and protestors taking to the streets of Paris and torching down establishments. Armed police were out in force and fire engine sirens are constantly heard throughout the evenings in the city.
According to France 24, 234 people have been arrested in Paris so far. France On television, police were seen momentarily firing tear gas and rushing at demonstrators in several cities, with special motorbike officers thrusting through protesters.

The travel industry has also been affected with workers, including air traffic controllers and other transport staff, walking out between Monday and Thursday 20 – 23 March 2023 in solidarity with the ongoing dispute.
French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has asked all airlines to reduce their flight schedules to and from Paris Orly, as well as some other French airports, such as Marseille, over the latest strike period.
Air France issued a statement that read, “Air France plans to operate 95 percent of flights on strike days, including all long-haul flights and services to and from its main hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle. Last-minute delays and cancellations cannot be ruled out, the airline added. Air France regrets this situation and is doing its utmost to limit the impact on its customers.”

EasyJet said: “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.

“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 it expected possible cancellations or delays on flights to and from France on March 20-23, 2023. Their statement reads, “Any affected passengers will be notified as soon as possible,” It continues to state, “We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this French air traffic control strike, which is entirely out of Ryanair’s control.”

Eurostar canceled two London-Paris services on 22nd March 2023 but said trains would be running as normal today and tomorrow, although disruption to public transport in Lille is expected.

The high-speed Channel Tunnel passenger rail service gave no further details about the impact of the strike.

As the nation-wide strike runs past 10 days, travelers will need to be more patient before traveling to France.