How France's nationwide protests can cause travel disruptions this week

Travellers across France are likely to face major disruptions on Thursday, September 18, as unions, political parties and grassroots groups prepare for a nationwide strike against the government’s draft 2026 budget. The strike is expected to affect trains, metro systems, buses, air travel and even access to popular tourist attractions.

Authorities anticipate around 400,000 protestors across the country, more than double the turnout earlier this month. While France’s largest air traffic control union has delayed its action until October, smaller aviation unions, including those representing Air France, still plan walkouts. Ground staff at airports may also strike, raising the risk of delays at check-in and security.

Train and metro services to be hit hard
Rail services will see heavy disruption. Three major rail unions, representing 70 per cent of the workforce, have filed strike notices. According to outgoing transport minister Philippe Tabarot, about 90 per cent of TGV trains will operate as usual, but half of the Intercités services will be cancelled, and 40 per cent of TER regional trains will not run.

Paris commuters face ‘a black day’
RATP has warned that metro, RER commuter trains, buses and trams will face large-scale interruptions from 17–19 September. Only driverless metro lines 1, 4 and 14 will operate normally. The operator’s second-largest union called Thursday “a black day,” estimating strike participation at “90 per cent among metro drivers and 80 per cent among RER drivers.”

Road travel could also be affected. Taxi and ride-hailing drivers, though not formally mobilised, may stage “snail” protests, slowing traffic and blocking access to airports and stations.

The strike stems from opposition to the government’s proposed budget, which unions argue introduces austerity measures through welfare freezes and cuts to public services. Pension reform, already contentious since the retirement age was raised from 62 to 64 in 2023, remains a major flashpoint. Political tensions have grown after the resignation of former prime minister François Bayrou earlier this month, with his successor Sébastien Lecornu facing criticism over continuing earlier policies.

Tourist attractions warn of closures
The impact extends beyond transport. Pharmacies are expected to close widely, with only limited emergency cover. Several cultural landmarks, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and Versailles, have warned of closures or restricted access. The Arc de Triomphe has already closed, with refunds promised for e-tickets.

Officials and operators are advising travellers to check real-time updates online before making journeys, as September 18 could be one of the most difficult travel days of the year in France.