France transport strike on 5 Nov 2026 disrupts trains, flights, roads
France’s nationwide transport strikes on 5 November 2026 will cause widespread disruption to rail, air and urban transport. The action begins Thursday, 5 Nov 2026 and impacts all travellers using trains, flights, metros, buses and road routes across the country.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Rail, air and urban transport services face widespread disruption on 5 Nov 2026
- Timing
- Strike scheduled for Thursday 5 Nov 2026
- Who is affected
- All travellers using French rail, aviation, metro, bus and road networks
The details
- Announced by
- major French trade unions
- Takes effect
- 5 November 2026
- New rule
- Rail, aviation and urban transport services will experience significant disruption on the strike day.
Strike scope and demands
Four railway unions – CGT‑Cheminots, UNSA‑Ferroviaire, SUD‑Rail and CFDT‑Cheminots – have called on SNCF staff to strike, joining a broader mobilisation that also includes pensioners and younger demonstrators. The unions demand higher wages, improved pensions and stronger public services, and they oppose the government’s proposed 2027 budget.
- Railway unions: CGT‑Cheminots, UNSA‑Ferroviaire, SUD‑Rail, CFDT‑Cheminots
- Sectors involved: public and private transport employees
- Key demands: wage increases, pension reforms, budget opposition
Rail service disruptions
SNCF expects widespread disruption across its network. TGV services will be only slightly affected, while Intercités, TER regional trains and Île‑de‑France services face more significant interruptions. SNCF‑operated RER lines C, D and E are also impacted, and some sections of RER A and B that involve SNCF may see delays. The operator has announced more flexible exchange and refund conditions for passengers whose trains are cancelled.
- TGV: minor delays; Intercités, TER, Île‑de‑France: major disruptions
- RER C, D, E: service interruptions; parts of RER A/B may be affected
- SNCF offers flexible ticket exchange and refund options
Aviation and road impact
Civil aviation staff from unions such as USAC‑CGT and FO DGAC have been called to strike, though the main air‑traffic‑controller union SNCTA is not participating. The DGAC may request airlines to cancel flights if staffing levels fall short, as it did during the September public‑sector strike. Demonstrations across the country, including Yellow Vest blockades, could affect motorways serving major airports and city centres, with police planning to close several stations along protest routes.
Drivers should expect possible roundabout and service‑station blockades, especially near Paris‑Charles de Gaulle and Marseille‑Provence airports.
- Potential flight reductions at major airports if staff shortages occur
- Road blockades: roundabouts, service stations, motorway junctions
- Police may close stations along demonstration routes
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Check individual train numbers and departure times before travelling
- Allow extra time for airport transfers and station access due to possible closures
- Monitor airline notifications for flight cancellations or delays
- Consider alternative routes or transport modes in case of road blockades
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced; existing ticket exchange and refund policies remain in force
- No additional documents are required beyond standard travel tickets and identification
What you need to do
- Monitor SNCF digital platforms for real‑time service updates
- Check airline communications for any flight status changes
- Plan additional travel time to accommodate possible road closures and station shutdowns
Who this affects
-
Rail passengers on SNCF services
Four railway unions have called SNCF employees to strike, disrupting national and regional train operations
What to do Check schedules, keep tickets handy and review exchange or refund options if a service is cancelled
-
Air travellers using French airports
Unions representing DGAC staff are striking, allowing the authority to request flight reductions when staffing is insufficient
What to do Monitor airline notifications and be prepared for possible cancellations or delays
-
Paris metro and bus users
RATP employees are covered by an unlimited CGT‑RATP strike notice, though metro, bus and tram services are expected to run normally
What to do Verify service status on the day of travel, especially for RER lines operated by SNCF
-
Drivers heading to major cities and airports
Demonstrations and Yellow Vest blockades may create road closures and slow‑moving traffic around key routes
What to do Allow extra travel time and check local traffic reports for possible detours
-
International TGV passengers to Spain, Italy, Switzerland
Cross‑border high‑speed services may be altered as French rail operations face disruption
What to do Confirm connections with the train operator and consider alternative travel dates if necessary
Frequently asked questions
What transport services are disrupted by the France strike on 5 November 2026?
All major transport modes are affected. Rail services, including TGV, Intercités, TER and SNCF‑operated RER lines, face significant delays or cancellations. Some flights may be reduced if DGAC staff shortages occur, and road networks could see blockades from demonstrations.
Will flights from Paris‑Charles de Gaulle be cancelled on 5 November 2026?
Potential cancellations depend on staffing levels. The DGAC can request airlines to cancel flights when strike‑related staff shortages arise, as it did during the September strike, but no specific nationwide cancellation rate has been confirmed for 5 November.
How can I get a refund if my train is cancelled due to the strike?
SNCF has announced more flexible exchange and refund conditions for affected passengers. Travelers should keep their tickets, check the SNCF website or app for real‑time updates, and follow the provided instructions to request a refund or re‑booking.
Are Paris metro and bus services affected by the strike?
The RATP has not issued a separate strike notice for 5 November, and according to reports the Paris metro, buses and trams are expected to operate normally. However, SNCF‑operated RER lines C, D and E may experience disruptions, so passengers should verify service status.
What road disruptions should drivers expect during the French transport strike?
Demonstrations across France, including Yellow Vest actions, may lead to roundabout and service‑station blockades, especially near major airports and city centres. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez expects hundreds of thousands of protesters, so drivers should allow extra travel time and monitor local traffic updates.
