Will the Rugby World Cup be affected by airport strikes in France?

Airport and public transportation strikes may have a significant effect on numerous individuals making their way to the Rugby World Cup.

Next week, there may be travel disruptions for sports enthusiasts due to potential strikes by French airport employees coinciding with the Rugby World Cup.

The biggest labor union representing air traffic controllers in the country, known as SNCTA, has urged employees to participate in a countrywide strike on the 15th of September and the 13th of October.

Tens of thousands of individuals are gearing up to embark on their journeys for the Rugby World Cup, which will commence on the 8th of September and conclude on the 28th of October. The grand event will be held in various stadiums spread throughout the beautiful country of France.

Protests may result in the cancellation and disturbance of flights transiting through the airspace of France. These demonstrations have been organized to demand salary increases that align with the surging inflation.

Where Is The Rugby WC Being Held?

The stadiums in France will host the Rugby World Cup matches.

Some of the stadiums that will host matches in the tournament are Stade Geoffroy-Guichard located in Saint-Étienne, Stade de Bordeaux, Stade de Marseille, Stadium de Toulouse, Stade Pierre-Mauroy situated in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, Stade de Nice, Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, OL Stadium in Lyon, and Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris, which will be the venue for the final.

Over 2.5 million tickets have been purchased, with an unprecedented 600,000 individuals anticipated to journey from foreign countries to attend the event.

According to Michel Poussau, the executive director for Rugby World Cup 2023, a significant portion (60%) of fans coming to support their teams at the games are hailing from the United Kingdom. Additionally, a considerable number of spectators from Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand are anticipated to be in attendance as well.

The protest occurring on 15 September aligns with the match between New Zealand and Namibia at Stadium de Toulouse. This is closely followed by the game between Samoa and Chile at Stade de Bordeaux, as well as Wales versus Portugal at Stade de Nice. Individuals who plan to travel early to catch the Ireland versus Tonga match at Stade de la Beaujoire on 16 September may also face potential disruptions.

Although there are no games scheduled for October 28th, the strike could have an effect on fans who are journeying home from the finale.

As the upcoming air traffic control strikes are set to occur throughout the entire nation, it is highly likely that airports across the country will experience their impact.

Possible Impact Of French Air Traffic Control Strikes On Other Flights

Earlier this year, tumult ensued for travelers, regardless of whether their flights were departing from or arriving in France, due to the strikes conducted by French air traffic control.

Due to its position in the heart of Europe, numerous flights happen to pass over the country while heading towards other places. These flights that traverse above are likewise impacted whenever French air traffic controllers decide to go on strike.

This leads to disruptions and the calling off of flights in neighboring nations like Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy.

A whopping number exceeding 10 million travelers endured the inconvenience of delays or flight cancellations because of the strikes that took place in March. It is estimated that approximately half of these individuals were probably on a flight simply transiting through France.

On the 1st of May, when the strikes took place, a significant number of flights were called off at major airports in Paris such as Orly, Charles de Gaulle, and Beauvais. Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Nantes also experienced a high percentage of flight cancellations, while Nice had 25% of its flights called off.

Paris Metro May Strike During Rugby World Cup

Strikes might also affect the availability of public transportation throughout the Rugby World Cup. Employees of the Paris Metro system have expressed their intentions to participate in walkouts throughout the tournament.

Train operators will provide train drivers with a bonus to acknowledge the extra responsibilities they have to take on during the event. However, station employees have not been given an opportunity to earn extra income for their efforts.

Paris public transport workers, represented by the FO-RATP trade union, have expressed their intention to go on strike due to the matter at hand. Ongoing discussions are taking place between the involved parties.