NATIONAL strikes across France are set to start tonight and it’s expected that hundreds of thousands of people will be left stranded.
EasyJet, British Airways, Ryanair and Eurostar have already been forced to cancel a number of services as a result.
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The national strikes are set to begin at 7pm on tonight (December 4).
While the strike will mainly affect local transport, French air traffic controllers (ATC) and airport fire service are also planning to walk out, which will mean disruption to flights to and from France as well as over French air space.
When the French ATC went on strike earlier this year, over 500 flights had to be cancelled.
How easyJet flights are affected
EasyJet has already cancelled 233 flights across its network.
A spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: “Like all airlines operating to and from France, and using French airspace, easyJet is expecting some disruption to its flying programme.
“As a result of the strike, easyJet has had to cancel a proportion of its French programme including 70 UK touching flights. We are also expecting other flights to experience delays.”
The airline said that it’s expecting a huge volume of calls to its call centre and customers should track their flight status online instead by logging onto www.easyjet.com/(Your flight number).
EasyJet has also said that will be contacting affected customers via SMS and email.
The airline said: “Any customers affected by cancellations are eligible for a refund or a free of charge transfer to a new flight.
“Although this is outside of our control we would like to apologise to all our customers for any inconvenience caused and would like to reassure them we are doing all possible to minimise any disruption as a result of the strike action.”
Can you claim compensation for cancellations due to strike?
If your flight has been cancelled then you will be booked onto an alternative one or given a refund.
If you’re offered an alternative flight then you are entitled to free meals and refreshments which are appropriate to the delay.
You should also get free hotel accommodation and transfer if there’s an overnight stay.
If you get a refund then you should get the cash within seven days.
Airlines are not usually obligated to offer compensation following a strike because they are considered an “extraordinary circumstance”.
Although, it may be worth trying to claim as airlines have a responsibility to ensure your flight arrives on time.
If you booked through a travel company they are also liable to arranging your travel.
You may also be able to claim on your travel insurance – it all depends on when you bought the flight and what type of policy you have.
If the strike had not been called when you booked your flight and your policy covers for strike action then you should be reimbursed for any expenses, such as cancelling your hotel or car hire.
If the strike was already in the offing when you booked your flight then they might argue that you were aware of the potential disruption.
How British Airways flights are affected
British Airways has also cancelled a number of flights, although it hasn’t confirmed how many.
The airline said that passengers booked to fly between December 5 and 7 from any French airport, as well as selected airports in Spain and Switzerland, can move their flights to either December 3 or 4 or to dates between December 8 or 12.
A spokesperson for the airline told Sun Online Travel: “Yet again, French strike action will cause unnecessary frustration and disruption for customers at a busy time of year.
“We are offering our customers due to fly to/from France, Barcelona, Madrid, Basel, Geneva or Zurich on affected days, the chance to rebook their flight even if their flight was still scheduled to operate.
“We plan to use larger aircraft, wherever we can, to help customers from cancelled flights get to where they need to be.
“We are advising customers to keep checking on ba.com for the latest information about their flights.”
How Ryanair flights are affected
Similarly, Ryanair has cancelled a number of flights as well.
The airline said in a statement: “As a result of a national strike in France on Thursday, 5th December 2019, we have been forced to cancel a number of flights.
“All affected customers have already been informed by SMS and email, advising customers of their option of a free move or refund. If you have not received an email or SMS message then we expect your flight to operate as scheduled.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by this national strike. We will do everything we can to minimise your disruption, which is sadly beyond our control.”
How the Eurostar has been affected
Meanwhile, 78 Eurostar services to Paris, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Brussels have already been cancelled between December 5 and 8.
Eurostar said that customers who are affected by cancellations will be notified and are advised to check their website for the latest update.
Those who are affected by the cancellations are able to exchange their tickets for another day or get a full refund.
And for those who are planning to travel between December 5 and 8, you’ll be able to postpone your journey for free.
Travel advice from the FCO
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office warned of severe delays that could affect “trains, metros, busses and trams” across France.
Brits heading to France next week should therefore check before they travel to make sure services are still running.
FCO’s updated advice
The FCO said: “Significant industrial action is expected across France from Thursday 5 December for an unspecified duration.
“This will primarily affect transport and public services, with cancellations and severe delays to train, metro, bus and tram services expected from the evening of Wednesday 4 December.
“Disruption and cancellations to Eurostar services between London St. Pancras and Gare du Nord are expected.
“Other international rail services such as those to the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Germany may also be affected.
“Industrial action at ports may cause delays and cancellations to some cross-Channel ferry services. You should check the website of your chosen operator before you set off.
“In the event of any disruption, information about alternative routes and operators is available via this interactive map.
“Industrial action by hauliers on some major roads may also cause delays or blockages.
“Strike action by Air France workers and air traffic controllers may also cause disruption to air travel. You should check services before travelling.”
It added: “Wider demonstrations are also planned across France, including a large authorised demonstration in central Paris on Thursday 5 December, leaving from the Gare du Nord at 2:00pm and finishing at Nation.
“Additional protests may also be held linked to the yellow vest (gilets jaunes) movement. In all cases, you should avoid demonstrations wherever possible and follow the advice of the local authorities.”
Last year, it was revealed that French air traffic controllers were responsible for a third of flight delays in Europe.
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