France Faces Nationwide Strike on November 5, with Trains and Flights at Risk

SNCF says TGV services will see slight disruption, while Intercités, TER and Île-de-France trains and RERs face disruption on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The outlook is preliminary.

Background: Strikes in France Threaten Motorways, Flights, and Train Travel

French unions have called a nationwide strike and day of demonstrations. Rail passengers, Paris-region commuters and people connecting to airports could face delays or changed services.

Five confederations called the action: CFDT, CGT, Force ouvrière, UNSA and FSU. Four railway unions have separately urged rail employees to strike. A union call does not mean every service will be cancelled.

SNCF’s initial forecast says: “SNCF Voyageurs train traffic will be slightly disrupted on the TGV lines, and disrupted on the Intercités, TER lines, and on the trains and RERs of Île-de-France”. It is not a detailed timetable.

SNCF expects disruption beyond high-speed trains

The railway unions calling on employees to walk out are CGT-Cheminots, UNSA-Ferroviaire, SUD-Rail and CFDT-Cheminots. The TGV forecast includes Ouigo and InOui services. International TGV connections to Spain, Italy, Germany and Switzerland could also be affected.

In the Paris region, SNCF Transilien trains and RER lines B, C, D and E are expected to have disrupted traffic. RATP plans normal metro, bus and tram service, and normal traffic on RER line A. Some stations could still close because of demonstrations. No separate RATP strike notice had been confirmed as of November 3, 2026.

The dispute includes pay and public spending. Railway unions proposed a 2.6% pay increase backdated to July, while the broader action also challenges the proposed 2027 budget.

Flight disruption remains uncertain ahead of Wednesday’s forecast

A strike notice has been filed for air transport, but the extent of disruption is not settled. The cited passenger guidance says France's air-traffic controllers and ground-handling, security-screening and maintenance employees were called to strike, with possible effects on flights in France and over its airspace.

At the same time, the main air-traffic-controller union, SNCTA, and specified ground-staff and controller unions are not participating in the notice; only slight disruption is expected. The unions that filed the notice remain unclear. The DGAC is expected to provide more precise information, with air-traffic forecasts due Wednesday, November 4. No specific flight cancellations had been announced in the passenger guidance.

Demonstrations could slow journeys around stations

Marches may bring road closures, congestion and public-transport delays, including around stations and airport routes. In Lyon, the gathering is set for 10:30 a.m. at Manufacture des Tabacs, but local authorities still need to confirm the route details. Separately, Solidaires Rhône and other activist groups organised a protest at Place Jean Macé in Lyon on November 5 at 10:30 a.m. Place Jean-Macé was banned as a gathering point by prefectural police on October 24, and previous attempts to gather there led to clashes and the use of tear gas; the protest was expected to last until at least 2:00 p.m.

Nice and Cannes have gatherings planned for 10 a.m. outside their railway stations. In Lille, protesters are called to gather at 2:30 p.m. at Porte de Paris, with youth organizations and Yellow Vests also supporting the movement. Allow extra time around these areas. Avoiding demonstration routes may also help reduce delays.

A cancelled flight brings a refund or rerouting choice

Passenger guidance says a cancelled flight gives travellers a choice: a ticket refund within seven days or alternative transportation to the final destination. The airline must still provide care and assistance when required.

That assistance may include meals and refreshments, two free communications and hotel accommodation with transport when an overnight stay is needed. Travellers who pay for eligible assistance themselves should keep receipts and contact the airline first.

Compensation is a separate question. An air-traffic-control or airport-staff strike may count as an extraordinary circumstance, which can remove compensation for delays of three hours or more, typically between 250 and 600 euros. A strike by an airline’s own staff does not automatically remove compensation rights.

Check operators before setting out

SNCF was expected to publish detailed traffic forecasts approximately 48 hours before the strike. Check the latest operator information before leaving.

• Check SNCF Connect and the relevant railway operator for train changes.
• In the Paris region, check Île-de-France Mobilités for local and regional services.
• Confirm flight arrangements with the airline after the November 4 air-traffic forecast.
• Leave extra time and avoid demonstration routes where possible.