Transportation to Switzerland set to face disruptions due to widespread strikes in France scheduled for Thursday
Air France unions have maintained a strike notice, potentially causing disruptions in air travel and air traffic. However, an update on the situation is expected to be released tonight.
Meanwhile, the French national railway company, SNCF, anticipates "very severe disruption" to traffic starting tonight on Intercité and TER trains. As a result, only one in two Intercité trains and three in five TER trains will run. The SNCF is expected to be significantly affected by the planned strikes, with major disruptions in high-speed trains, Intercités lines, and regional transport services across cities like Paris, Toulouse, Grenoble, Nantes, Marseille, Lyon, and Montpellier.
On the other hand, the TGV network is expected to operate almost as usual, with 90 percent of trains running as scheduled. However, only flights operated by Air France may be subject to delays or cancellations.
Geneva Airport has not yet released any information regarding the potential impact of the strike on air traffic. Further details can be found on their website.
The Leman Express, which connects Geneva and parts of Vaud with French communities, is likely to be affected, particularly on sections operated by the French railway company. Delays and cancellations are expected on the Leman Express, and a massive shift of usual users is expected to switch to cars, creating traffic jams at border posts.
Travelers planning to go to France on September 17th or 18th may want to re-think their plans due to the disruptions in Swiss transport. However, as of Wednesday noon, there is no expected impact on France-bound public transport via TPG.
It's worth noting that the French air traffic controllers' union, SNCTA, had planned to strike but ultimately postponed its industrial action, avoiding a total blockade in French skies.
There is a planned protest in France on Thursday with an estimated 800,000 participants. The impact of this protest on the situation described in the article is not mentioned.
Stay tuned for updates on the situation, and we advise travellers to check the official websites of SNCF, Air France, Geneva Airport, and TPG for the latest information.
