If you’re travelling to, through or from France this week, prepare for disruption.
On Thursday, 18 September, rail lines, metro systems, buses and even some of the air networks could grind to a halt as hundreds of thousands join a nationwide strike.
Authorities are bracing for road blockades, protests and strained transport systems as unions, political parties and grassroots movements have called for mass mobilisation.
Although air traffic control unions have delayed their 18 September strike, Thursday is still shaping up to be one of the most difficult travel days of the year in France.
Why is France striking now?
At the heart of the unrest is the government’s draft 2026 budget, which unions say imposes harsh austerity measures. The plans include a freeze on social welfare spending and potential cuts to public services. Anger over pension reform – a flashpoint since 2023, when the country raised the retirement age from 62 to 64 – has also reignited.
Unions representing workers spanning sectors from rail transport to healthcare and education are all taking part, joined by France’s main left-wing parties.
Officials expect around 400,000 people to demonstrate across the country, more than double the turnout earlier this month during the “Bloquons tout” protests.
Unlike those rallies, this week’s strike is widely coordinated, with unions encouraging workplace walkouts and public blockades.
Ongoing political turmoil has only heightened tensions.
Former prime minister François Bayrou resigned earlier this month after his government collapsed over the budget dispute. His newly named successor, Sébastien Lecornu, has already become a lightning rod for frustration, with critics accusing him of carrying forward the same Macron-era policies that sparked earlier waves of unrest.
How will French strikes impact travel?
With multiple major unions on strike, travellers should expect widespread cancellations.
The four main unions representing workers at state-owned public transport operator RATP – CGT, FO, Unsa Mobilité and CFE-CGC – have filed strike notices. Three rail unions representing 70 per cent of staff – CGT-Cheminots, Unsa-Ferroviaire and CFDT-Cheminots – have done the same, raising the spectre of disruptions across France’s rail network. Long-distance TGV services, regional TER trains and commuter lines are all likely to experience delays and cancellations throughout the day.
In Paris, RATP has warned of major disruption to metro lines, the regional RER commuter trains, trams and buses from 17-19 September.
Air travel may also be affected, even though France’s largest ATC union has postponed its planned strikes until early October. Smaller unions, including the FO, CFDT and CGT covering Air France, still plan to walk out this week, likely leading to disruptions to some flights.
Ground staff at airports could also strike, meaning delays at check-in and security.
The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has said it will post updates in the days leading up to the strike, while airlines are urging passengers to check flight status before leaving for the airport.
The roads might not be much smoother for travellers, as taxi drivers, ride-hailing service workers and delivery workers are expected to join the protests.
Though no unions have yet called for mobilised action, taxi drivers have in the past operated impromptu “snail” protests, convoys that crawl along roads to slow traffic. Road blockades could further limit access to airports and train stations.
Beyond transport, other sectors will be hit as well, including healthcare. Pharmacies are expected to close in large numbers, with only limited emergency cover where ordered by local authorities.
Source: euronews.com
