Widespread Strike in France: Closed Metros, Canceled Trains, Aviation Industry Also in the Spotlight

France is facing a nationwide strike today (Thursday, November 5), affecting rail and public transport operations across the country. At the same time, authorities in Paris are preparing for widespread demonstrations, including traffic restrictions and the closure of major metro stations.

According to an official announcement from the RATP transport company, train traffic on the RER B line, which connects central Paris to Charles de Gaulle International Airport, has been significantly reduced. On the northern part of the line, only one train out of two is expected to operate, and on the southern part, two trains out of three.

Other train lines in the Paris region are also affected by the strike, including the RER D line, which is expected to experience particularly severe disruptions. The national railway company SNCF has also announced disruptions on regional trains and Intercités lines, along with a lesser impact on TGV high-speed train services.

Central Metro Stations, Closed by Police Orders 

In parallel with the strike, RATP announced that, starting at 11:00 AM, central metro stations in Paris will close on the orders of the city police and for security reasons, following the planned demonstrations.

Stations to be closed include Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau, Concorde, Madeleine, Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Their reopening will be subject to police approval.

And What Happens at Airports?

The strike also affects the French aviation industry. The FO-DGAC labor union has issued a strike notice for November 5, which includes employees of the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), the National School of Civil Aviation (ENAC) and the Air Accident Investigation Authority (BEA).

However, the strike announcement does not necessarily indicate actual flight cancellations. The official sources reviewed did not confirm blanket cancellations at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports following the strike.

Recommendation for Travelers

In light of the disruptions, passengers planning to arrive at Paris airports today are advised to check the updated public transportation schedules in advance, prepare for longer travel times than usual, and verify flight status directly with the airline.

Most confirmed disruptions at this stage involve ground transportation, which may make it difficult to reach the airports, even when flights are operating as usual.