Travel Disruptions Across France: Assessing the Impact of the Nationwide Strike on Flights, Trains, and Public Transportation This Thursday
France is preparing for a significant wave of disruptions as a nationwide strike, impacting various sectors, is set to occur on Thursday, 18 September. The action is in response to the French government's draft 2026 budget, which includes a freeze on social welfare spending and potential cuts to public services.
The transport sector is expected to be particularly affected, with the transport operator's second-largest union predicting a 'black day' for Thursday. Some metro services will be completely suspended, while others will only operate partially. In Paris, RATP has warned of major disruption to metro lines, regional RER commuter trains, trams, and buses from 17-19 September.
Air travel may also be affected, with ground staff at airports potentially striking, causing delays at check-in and security. However, France's largest ATC union has postponed its planned strikes until early October, but smaller unions covering Air France still plan to walk out this week, potentially leading to disruptions.
Ongoing political turmoil has heightened tensions in France, with critics accusing the newly named successor, Sébastien Lecornu, of carrying forward the same Macron-era policies that sparked earlier waves of unrest. Unions representing workers spanning sectors from rail transport to healthcare and education are participating in the strikes, joined by France's main left-wing parties.
Taxi drivers, ride-hailing service workers, and delivery workers are expected to join the protests, potentially causing road blockades and limiting access to airports and train stations. Around 400,000 people are expected to demonstrate across France, more than double the turnout during the 'Bloquons tout' protests.
Pharmacies are expected to close in large numbers, with only limited emergency cover where ordered by local authorities. Some major tourist attractions in France will be closed or restrict access during the strikes. The Arc de Triomphe closed on Wednesday and is likely to remain shut on Thursday. The Louvre and Versailles may also have delayed openings and restricted access.
Despite the widespread disruptions, not all transport services will be affected. Only metro lines 1, 4, and 14, which are automatic without a driver, will run as normal on 18 September. Around 90% of high-speed TGV trains will run as normal, but half of the Intercités services will be cancelled. Around 60% of regional TER trains are expected to run as scheduled.
Travellers are advised to expect widespread delays and cancellations in France's transport systems on 18 September. It is recommended to plan alternative routes and check the status of services before travelling. The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has said delays are expected across French airports and for flights passing through French airspace, but has not called for any flight cancellations.
