France strike disrupts flights and rail services

If it is summer, it is time for Europe to strike for some reason or another!
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Travellers to France are facing transport disruption over the coming days as workers take industrial action over proposed pension reforms.

A national strike began on Monday evening, and is expected to last until early on Wednesday morning.

Air travel between the UK and France is likely to be disrupted, while a number of rail services could also be delayed or cancelled.

British Airways has warned that flights to other destinations may also be affected, and has advised passengers to check the status of their flights before travelling to the airport.

All long-haul Air France services will operate, according to the airline, but only 90 per cent of short-haul flights from Charles de Gaulle airport and half of short-haul flights from Orly airport will run.

Eurostar said its services will operate normally, but is giving passengers who have already purchased tickets the option of postponing their journeys in case other connecting services are cancelled.

The Paris metro has said that its network will run at about 50 per cent, while around half of high-speed SNCF trains will be in service.

The strike, involving transport workers from this evening, and – from tomorrow – school, post office and civil service staff, is in response to the French government’s proposals to increase the minimum retirement age from 60 to 62. Demonstrations are also planned in 137 towns and cities.

Meanwhile, London Tube workers will walk out for 24 hours later today in a dispute over job cuts.